South East Technological University (SETU) hosted the Education for Sustainable Development seminar at its campus in Wexford.
Staff and students from SETU gathered with colleagues from Wexford County Council, and Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB) in an opportunity to share their experiences in working towards the national strategy in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) within the education and training sectors. The event showcased innovative teaching practices, from using virtual reality in healthcare and apprenticeship courses and authentic learner participation for early childhood education, to debating for sustainable farm management. Additionally, attendees discussed practical ways to manage data and how to design courses and programmes with sustainability principles in mind.
Students and community play a critical role in developing ESD principles and the seminar looked at ways to collaboratively find practical solutions to sustainability issues. It was designed to support staff and students in higher and further education and training, by providing a forum to share ideas and to explore new tools to engage with learners, colleagues, and the wider community in incorporating sustainable development principles into classes and curricula.
Dr Frances Hardiman, Head of Faculty of Engineering at SETU in Carlow and Chair of the Sustainability Working Group for SETU’s Strategic Plan, said “It is important and timely that we advance conversations and share practical experiences within both SETU and with our educational partners on integrating sustainable development into the heart of education. This event in Wexford provided a range of insight and innovative thinking from our SETU students and staff and our partners at WWETB and Wexford County Council. Well done to all involved.”
In her keynote address entitled, “Wexford County Council – Our journey towards climate neutrality”, Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, commented “I am delighted to attend the Education in Sustainable Development seminar and to congratulate Ailish O’Brien, Programme Director in Business at SETU’s Wexford Campus, and the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, for organising it. It is a wonderful networking opportunity and a chance for Wexford County Council to share its work in the area of Climate Change and Sustainable Development.”
The event included a range of speakers from SETU, Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB), and Wexford County Council. The seminar was interactive, with time for attendees to chat and network with others interested in sustainability in education.
For further information on the event, contact Ailish O’ Brien at [email protected].