Dissertations for Good: Academic work that shapes the world www.nus.org.uk/dfg

Concept of living lab

The gap Students learn for the sake of learning Learning isn’t integrated to real world experience ESD requires active learning and relating topics to how the course works in the real world

The living lab Key aspect is student actively relating their course to a real world challenge Traditionally applied to university working with students on projects Also relates to organisations working with students

Dissertations for Good

Dissertations for Good www.nus.org.uk/dfg

Education for sustainable development (ESD), employability skills and making a difference

Education for sustainable development (ESD) “Education for sustainable development (ESD) is the process of equipping students with the knowledge and understanding, skills and attributes needed to work and live in a way that safeguards the environmental, social and economic wellbeing, both in the present and for future generations.” Education for sustainable development: Guidance for UK higher education providers, HEA & QAA, June 2014

Employability skills from employers Communication Teamwork Problem solving Initiative and enterprise Planning and organising Self-management Organisation Perseverance and motivation Ability to work under pressure Confidence Systemic thinking

Problem solving Communication ESD skills Use and apply established frameworks and methodologies for analysing impacts of a behaviour or process; utilising skills and expertise Describe complex sustainability issues in clear terms Problem solving Communication

Initiative and enterprise ESD skills Think systemically, in terms of recognising connections and interactions between factors, understand that actions often have multiple consequences Employ leadership for sustainable development by challenging assumptions and negotiating alternatives to unsustainable current practices, especially within their own discipline or area of study Etc. etc. etc. Systems thinking Initiative and enterprise

Making a difference “It has given me the opportunity to work with really inspiring people and to gain a lot of practical experience that is applicable in a real world setting.” “Dissertations for Good has given real meaning to my University studies.” “Working for the sake of something greater than my own academic development has given me drive and motivation to work hard.” “I felt part of something more collaborative.”

4. FAQs

Should an academic supervisor be involved? YES! They can… Confirm the project ticks boxes for your course Guide you on issues around intellectual property Support you as with a normal dissertation Academic supervisors can also register themselves and begin the process of partnering on behalf of their students

As an academic supervisor, will it increase the time associated with a project? Marginally – we ask everyone (including the supervisor) to attend a 2 hour planning meeting to hammer out the details Other than that it is just supervision as normal If any problems arise, notify NUS and we will help you solve them

Does it cost the student anything? NO! It is entirely free for all students to register, create a profile and partner with an organisation We cannot help with travel and misc. costs when visiting We can only help with costs of publishing etc. if we lead on the process If you publish, we ask to be acknowledged

How likely is it that I’ll get partnered? Depends on your activity Maximise your chances by: Creating a profile Regularly searching through the organisation database Clicking the button to find out more even if you think it isn’t a perfect fit

What kinds of projects have already been completed? Population opinions of energy metering options (University of Bristol and Islington Borough Council) Analysis of CIBSE building and climate change data (University of West London and Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers) An examination of the engagement of UK universities with the Fairtrade University Award and fair trade movement (University of Exeter and Fairtrade Foundation) Investigating the connection between socioeconomic status and academic achievement (University of Edinburgh and Midlothian Council)

What kinds of opportunities are available at the moment? Woodland Trust NHS Sustainable Development Unit Northern Rail NUS Met Police (coming soon!) Youth Justice Board (coming soon!)

www.nus.org.uk/dfg dfg@nus.org.uk www.nus.org.uk/sustainability Department for Sustainability, NUS http://en.unesco.org/themes/education-sustainable-development UNESCO information on ESD