Vocational Graduate Certificate in Education and Training for Sustainability
Student Profiles
Mim Downes
I teach Horticulture and Landscape Design at Swinburne University of Technology. I wanted to do further study in Education however Education for Sustainability is such an important and exciting new discipline, I decided to choose this new course as it ties together two areas I’m really passionate about.
The course has changed the way I view my role as an educator. I’ve really appreciated the opportunity to bring together my knowledge and passion around sustainability with my professional educational practice. My favourite aspects of the course have been the group interactions, working with my colleagues, and the skill and knowledge that the lecturers bring. Also it is all directly related to my job as an educator, so it’s immediately useful and relevant.
Helping to future proof my students with skills for sustainability will hopefully make a real difference in industry. I’ve gained a new motivation in my working life. I now believe I can make a real difference to the way we equip students to face complex societal problems in moving to a more sustainable future. As a result I feel like there is a huge amount of good that can be done.
Mary Miceli
I have been interested in Sustainability for some time particularly in the area of Graphic Design as this is the area I teach in and am also a practising Graphic Designer. In 2009 I was awarded an ISS (Institute of Specialised Skills) Fellowship to investigate the use of bioplastics in the area of Environmental Graphics. I was fortunate enough to meet with a number of passionate professionals working over many aspects of Sustainability who were able to give me an insight into this vast world.
I wanted to pursue studies in this field although I was not clear on the direction I would take. I heard about this course and it seemed like the opportunity I needed to take a further step into this field. I have gained a tremendous insight into the broad aspects of sustainability and the potential for a positive behavioural change. As a teacher this has reinspired me, we have been directed toward inspirational writings, which speak of innovation and creative solutions both in education itself but also with a focus on Education for Sustainability (EfS). I have also gained an understanding of why EfS is so important to behavioural change and how as educators we are in the privileged position to play a significant role. The best aspects of the course is the opportunity to meet and discuss issues and directions with like minded individuals who are passionate, solution driven people, keen to see positive changes within our communities.
