To read this content please select one of the options below:

Empowerment for sustainability in higher education through the EYE learning tool

Valentina C. Tassone (Education and Competence Studies Group, University of Wageningen, Wageningen, The Netherlands)
Giel Dik (Research Methodology Group, University of Wageningen, Wageningen, The Netherlands)
Thekla Anna van Lingen (Education and Competence Studies Group, University of Wageningen, Wageningen, The Netherlands)

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education

ISSN: 1467-6370

Article publication date: 6 March 2017

1415

Abstract

Purpose

While empowerment for sustainability is considered a major objective within sustainability-oriented educational programs and policies, little is known about the actual process of empowering students for sustainability through higher education. This study aims to explore this field, by introducing the EYE (Educating Yourself in Empowerment) for Sustainability learning tool and by analyzing the effects of its application within a higher education context, including a reflection about key aspects contributing to students’ empowerment for sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of the EYE tool are analyzed by means of questionnaires. Through a qualitative codification process and quantitative analysis, the authors have reflected on the effects of the EYE tool and on the empowerment process as perceived by the students exposed to the EYE at Wageningen University.

Findings

Results suggest that the EYE is a comprehensive and adaptive tool, conducive to empowerment for sustainability. Adopting, only partly, an instrumental approach to education and, largely, an emancipatory one appears to be a possible and successful combination. A key aspect contributing to students’ empowerment for sustainability is the development and execution of a real-life project of own choice. Learning about the diverse worldviews underlying the search for sustainability appears to be an eye opener for the students. Empowerment does not seem to require long-term training. Rather, it emerges and is experienced by university students within a few weeks.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a novel tool and discusses insights deriving from the application of this tool. The value of the paper lies in its potential to support educators in reflecting upon and designing their educational strategy for empowering students for sustainability.

Keywords

Citation

Tassone, V.C., Dik, G. and van Lingen, T.A. (2017), "Empowerment for sustainability in higher education through the EYE learning tool", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 341-358. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-12-2015-0209

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles