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LSIS has launched the first ever research projects to explore the specific relevance of sustainability skills and knowledge to the further education (FE) and skills sector.

The research will also help identify strategies for embedding these skills and knowledge into teaching, learning and the curriculum.

The ‘Sustainability Skills for Growth’ research project aims to understand what it means to make the transition to a sustainable economy and society, to explore and define what is meant by sustainability skills, and to identify the opportunities afforded to the sector to lead their development of these.

Meanwhile, the ‘Embedding sustainability in teaching, learning and the curriculum’ project will look to explore the relationship and relevance of sustainability and sustainable development to further education, to identify the specific skills and knowledge that teaching staff require to effectively embed sustainability, and to determine key ingredients, opportunities and strategies.

Providers across the sector now have the opportunity to contribute to either or both of the projects through surveys and consultations. Providers have until Friday 8th March 2013 to get involved.

Conrad Benefield, LSIS Sustainability Programme Development Manager, said: “’Sustainability skills’, ‘green skills’ and the ‘low-carbon economy’ are increasingly talked about as being key to the future prosperity of the UK. But what do these concepts mean in practice for teaching and learning in the FE and Skills sector?

“These topics have been much discussed in recent years and there is a range of existing thinking and research that we can draw on. However, what is lacking from our discussions with strategic partners and with sector leaders and practitioners, is the practical knowledge, understanding and principles drawn from existing practice, that practitioners can actively apply and embed in developing the curriculum and implementing teaching and learning strategies.

“For this reason we are keen for sector leaders and practitioners to contribute to the research, through a range of opportunities including free in-house workshops and consultations.” 

Providers interested in finding out more and/or getting involved in these projects should contact LSIS at sustainability@lsis.org.uk.