Addressing global environmental security through innovative educational curricula: [proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Rethinking Higher Education to Meet the New Challenges of Environmental Security, Kharkiv, Ukraine, 21 - 25 May 2008]

As the importance of environmental security increases worldwide, colleges and universities are evaluating how well they are preparing the next generation of environmental scientists and managers and developing new educational approaches. In this volume, we examine: (1) current educational practices and the need for change, (2) educational needs from the perspective of employers and professionals, and (3) new practices in higher education in environmental fields. The contributors were carefully selected by an international coordinating team based on their international reputations in the field of progressive educational approaches and understanding of the global employment market in environmental science. Although the focal geographic areas are North America, Europe and the former Soviet republics, the ideas and strategies discussed are universal to all institutions of higher education. We highlight specific non-traditional approaches such as using the university as a curricular tool, developing permaculture programs, and applying sustainability pedagogy, and document their success from both a student and employer perspective. We also include case studies on risk assessment and eco-efficiency education to illustrate why and how transdisciplinary education can be accomplished. We conclude that it is imperative that our educational systems teach environmental security at the university level within a transdisciplinary context; and that opportunities, such as internships and other methods of applied learning, are included in the curriculum. Front Matter....Pages i-xvii Global And European Trends In Higher Education: Implications For University Curricula....Pages 3-9 Science On The Marsh: Towards The Ground Of Education (For Sustainable Development)....Pages 11-25 Environmental Security and the Role of UNESCO Chairs in Higher Education in Belarus....Pages 27-34 The Educational Dilemma Of Environmental Security: Hard Science Or The Art Of Decision Making?....Pages 35-42 Learning Eco-Efficiency Tools Through University–Corporate Cooperation....Pages 43-50 Modern Approaches To Sustainability And Spatial Development: Educational Aspects....Pages 51-56 A Comparison Of Ecological Education And Sustainable Development Education....Pages 57-61 The Role Of Trans-Disciplinary Skills In Environmental Education And Science....Pages 65-73 Transition From Student To Employee: The Necessary Science And Skills....Pages 75-81 Stages, Perspectives And Alterations Of High Education Reform On North-West Of Russia....Pages 83-89 The Concept Of Higher Environmental Education For Ukraine....Pages 91-96 Learning By Doing: The University As A Curricular Tool For Sustainability And Environmental Security....Pages 99-114 A Student'S Perspective: The Benefits Of Non-Traditional Methods Of Environmental Education On Environmental Policy....Pages 115-129 Towards Integration Of Knowledge Through Sustainability Education And Its Potential Contribution To Environmental Security....Pages 131-153 Non-Traditional Pedagogies In Advanced Education: Engaging Head, Hands & Heart For Environmental And Educational Benefit....Pages 155-164 Permaculture, A Natural Systems Design Approach For Teaching Sustainability In Higher Education: Pacific University'S B-Street Permaculture Project....Pages 165-177 Addressing The Use Of Non-Traditional Methods Of Environmental Education: Achieving The Greatest Environmental And Educational Benefit For The European Region....Pages 179-188 Teaching The Environment As A Bridge To Peace And Security In The Middle East: The Pedagogic Approach Of The Arava Institute For Environmental Studies....Pages 189-197 Risk Assessment In Ukrainian Environmental High Education....Pages 199-204 Education In Microbiology As A Tool To Meet Challenges Of Environmental Security....Pages 205-214 Enacting A Dialogue On Environmental Security In Higher Education: Areas Of Inquiry And Topics Of Discussion....Pages 217-228 Back Matter....Pages 229-235

As the importance of environmental security increases worldwide, colleges and universities are evaluating how well they are preparing the next generation of environmental scientists and managers and developing new educational approaches. In this volume, we examine: (1) current educational practices and the need for change, (2) educational needs from the perspective of employers and professionals, and (3) new practices in higher education in environmental fields.

The contributors were carefully selected by an international coordinating team based on their international reputations in the field of progressive educational approaches and understanding of the global employment market in environmental science. Although the focal geographic areas are North America, Europe and the former Soviet republics, the ideas and strategies discussed are universal to all institutions of higher education.

We highlight specific non-traditional approaches such as using the university as a curricular tool, developing permaculture programs, and applying sustainability pedagogy, and document their success from both a student and employer perspective. We also include case studies on risk assessment and eco-efficiency education to illustrate why and how transdisciplinary education can be accomplished. We conclude that it is imperative that our educational systems teach environmental security at the university level within a transdisciplinary context; and that opportunities, such as internships and other methods of applied learning, are included in the curriculum.

Examines the educational practices and the need for change, educational needs from the perspective of employers and professionals, and fresh practices in higher education in environmental fields. This title highlights specific non-traditional approaches such as using the university as a curricular tool and developing permaculture programs. Examines various educational practices and the need for change, and educational needs from the perspective of employers and professionals. This book includes case studies on risk assessment and eco-efficiency education to illustrate why and how trans disciplinary education can be accomplished.