1. Dissertations for Good: Academic work that shapes the world

2. Concept of living lab

3. 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

4. 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

5. Dissertations for Good

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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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.”

13. 4. FAQs

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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)

19. 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!)

20.
Department for Sustainability, NUS
UNESCO information on ESD