Exploring sustainability in teaching and learning
University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Kinesiology lecturer and alumnus Shannon Forrester inspired students and colleagues through her participation in the sustainability faculty fellowship
By Darla Read, USask Communications OfficerForrester (BSc, MSc ‘01), one of six faculty appointed to the two-year sustainability faculty fellowship, said by bringing the community into her classroom, she was able to make a significant impact.
“Students became more engaged, but they also gained greater confidence and a skill set to address sustainability challenges in their personal and professional lives.”
Dr. Wendy James, Director, Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning, saw the impact Forrester made on students and colleagues.
“Shannon’s students reported how engaging they found her course, and that they developed competencies to tackle sustainability problems. Even more significantly, Shannon led work with her colleagues in the College of Kinesiology, embedding sustainability competencies across the program.”
The fellowship facilitated Forrester’s work with colleagues and the integration of the United Nations’ Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) into the College of Kinesiology’s teaching practices. As a result, SDGs were incorporated across all four years of undergraduate programming, and sustainability competencies were extended to the graduate program.
Forrester said the concept of tackling sustainability can be overwhelming, but she is confident there is an SDG that speaks to everyone, regardless of what discipline they are in.
"As a fellow, I've had the privilege of observing an incredible transformation among my students and colleagues. It's a shift that surpasses mere obligation; it's a change of heart. By embracing the SDG framework, we have allowed everyone to be a part of the conversation and solution.”