ESD The Extracurricular dimension

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ESD The Extra-curricular dimension

• Bryan Lipscombe,
• University of Chester
• b.lipscombe_at_chester.ac.uk 01244 511983

Sustainability Literacy A Core Competency - A
Progress Report
Bridging the Gap How Sustainability Links
Campus, Community Curriculum, EAUC 11th Annual
Conference - 18th April 2007
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Study into use of extra-curricular interventions
to advance ESD

• Method
• Postal Survey of HEIs - May/June 2006
• Response
• 72 from 140 UK HEIs

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Findings Extent of extra-curricular ESD
interventions across UK HE
Extra-curricular ESD interventions are
widespread Used by 99 of HEIs in the last two
years
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Findings Relative development of
extra-curricular and curricular ESD
Developed in equal measure, or form the primary
approach in similar proportions
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Findings Types of extra curricular ESD in Use
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Findings Utility of extra curricular ESD
interventions
Widely seen as useful
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Findings Top 5

• Strengths
• 1 Raise awareness
• 2 Reach wider audiences
• 3 Promote wider perspectives
• 4 Provide tangible examples
• 5 Possess motivational qualities

Weaknesses 1 Limited take up 2 Limited resources
to develop them properly 3 Limited links with the
planning of institution and curriculum 4 Seen a
marginal 5 Often sporadic
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Findings Top 5

• Barriers to
• 1 Resource pressures
• 2 General inertia
• 3 Lack of commitment
• 4 Lack of understanding
• 5 No obvious lead agents

Opportunities for 1 Work in the wider community 2
Work with students 3 Highlighting the benefits 4
Links with staff development/student experience 5
Link with curriculum planning
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Conclusions Extra-curricular ESD
interventions.
Important element of practice - Common, developed
as much a curricular ESD and perceived to be
useful Potential to play significant
developmental role - Raise awareness, reach wider
audiences, develop wider perspectives, reinforce
learning and motivate action Common ground -
Multiple instigators from campus, curriculum and
wider community interests. Entry point for
external influence/support Precarious Not
recognised/supported, marginal and sporadic