Leading Assessment Practices to Foster Sustainability Learning in Engineering Classrooms

Abstract

There is a growing demand in industry for engineering graduates who can think “sustainably.” However, there are many barriers to developing assessment that fosters sustainability learning in engineering classrooms. There is no consensus on the definition of sustainability and its key competencies and teaching resources are limited.

Staff are unclear about what to teach, how to teach, and how to assess learning. Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning and should be planned from the earliest stages, but this is rarely done. Engineering relies heavily on traditional assessments such as tests and examinations, but these are known to encourage surface learning. Sustainability is complex, multidisciplinary, and needs context, which requires higher-order thinking characteristic of deep learning.

Current assessment types for sustainability include examinations, case study, concept maps, and project-based learning. However, more research is needed to develop best practice assessments. Recommendations for teaching approach are to use a rigorous approach to instructional design, use a systems approach, and use a teaching model that promotes deep learning, incorporates context, and promotes alignment of learning objectives and assessment. Community-oriented assessments are recommended that feature the interdisciplinarity and complexity of sustainability and promote higher-order thinking.

Citation

Jollands, M. (2020), "Leading Assessment Practices to Foster Sustainability Learning in Engineering Classrooms", Sengupta, E., Blessinger, P. and Yamin, T.S. (Ed.) Teaching and Learning Strategies for Sustainable Development (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Vol. 19), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 57-71. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120200000019008