Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publisher

Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS)

Faculty

Faculty of Health, Engineering and Science

School

School of Natural Sciences / Centre for Ecosystem Management

RAS ID

16432

Comments

Scott, R. H., & Van Etten, E. J. (2013). University student volunteering alignment with sustainability principles. In Proceedings of the 13th International Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS) Conference, Sydney, Australia. Nathan, Australia: Australasian Campuses Towards Sustainability (ACTS). Available here

Abstract

This research paper reviews the concept and practice of tertiary sciences students doing environmental volunteering, otherwise known as conservation volunteering, as a core part of their course to check its alignment with sustainability principles. First year Natural Sciences students at Edith Cowan University do five days environmental volunteer work with community groups as practicum. Initial research data displays the number of volunteer hours done by students in various types of activities, locations and organisations. Preliminary quantitative evaluations and qualitative comments demonstrate students’ positive attitudes and outcomes from their volunteering experiences. Definitions and classifications of sustainability from current literature are discussed as part of the curriculum design review process. Initial data from host organisations and students suggests that this environmental volunteering contributes to employability skills, although the program needs to be evaluated as one component of an integrated program of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) that the students are required to complete. Students learn about potential careers and the environment industry’s reliance on volunteers. Students learn and practise specific skills (e.g. animal handling) and contribute to communities and the environment.

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