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Addressing the time lag dilemma in curriculum renewal towards engineering education for sustainable development

Cheryl J. Desha (School of Engineering, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia The Natural Edge Project ( hosted by Griffith University, Brisbane and Australian National University, Canberra, Australia))
Karlson Hargroves (Science, Environment, Engineering, and Technology Group, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia The Natural Edge Project (hosted by Griffith University, Brisbane and Australian National University, Canberra, Australia))
Michael H. Smith (Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia The Natural Edge Project (hosted by Griffith University, Brisbane and Australian National University, Canberra, Australia))

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education

ISSN: 1467-6370

Article publication date: 10 April 2009

1846

Abstract

Purpose

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The purpose of this paper is to present the case for engineering departments to undertake rapid curriculum renewal (RCR) towards engineering education for sustainable development (EESD), to minimise the department's risk exposure to rapidly shifting industry requirements, government regulations and program accreditation. This paper then outlines a number of elements of RCR.

Design/methodology/approach

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This paper begins by proposing that Higher Education Institutions face a “time lag dilemma,” whereby the usual or “standard” curriculum renewal approach to embed new knowledge and skills within the curriculum may take too long, lagging behind industry, regulatory, and accreditation shifts. This paper then outlines a proposed RCR approach. This paper presents a number of preliminary “elements of RCR” formulated from a literature review of numerous existing but largely ad hoc examples of curriculum renewal within engineering and other discipline areas, together with the authors' experience in trialling the elements.

Findings

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This paper concludes that a strategically implemented process of curriculum renewal to EESD can help a department address its risk exposure to likely and impending shifts in industry, regulations and accreditation. A number of examples of implementing “elements of RCR” are emerging and this literature can inform a strategic approach to curriculum renewal.

Practical implications

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The aim of this paper is to highlight the potential risks and opportunities for engineering departments as they consider “how far” and “how fast” to proceed with curriculum renewal for EESD, along with providing an overview of a range of options for implementation.

Originality/value

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This paper fulfils an identified information/resources need.

Keywords

Citation

Desha, C.J., Hargroves, K. and Smith, M.H. (2009), "Addressing the time lag dilemma in curriculum renewal towards engineering education for sustainable development", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 184-199. https://doi.org/10.1108/14676370910949356

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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