INTERNSHIPS TO IMPLEMENT INSTITUTIONAL CHANGE: SUSTAINABILITY ON A SHOESTRING

Chad King, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science

David Woolf, Student Intern

Heather Hardman, Student Intern

Ohio Dominican University

Overview

From ad hoc to interns Accomplishments Applied learning Struggles Conclusions

From ad hoc to Interns

Ad hoc Sustainability committee

Faculty Food service

IT Adult programs

Student Life Study Abroad

Facilities Students

Limitations

Ad hoc Sustainability committee

Faculty Food service

IT Adult programs

Student Life Study Abroad

Facilities

Students

Solution = Students

Target: Majors with Internship Requirements

Political Science with Environmental Focus

Environmental Science Environmental Studies Hourly requirement for credit One work study position

Goals for Internships

Build skills Communication, collaboration, planning,

leadership Increase understanding of institutions Provide stepping stone to community

internships Engage students in authentic problem solving Engage students in institutional sustainability

efforts Become change agents

Sustainability Interns

Recycling Communication Reporting Education/New Programs

Recycling

Communication

Reporting

Education

Eco-rep programming Residence assistants trainings New employee trainings

New Programs

Research into requirements and potential for campus composting

Pilot program

Applied Learning

Opportunity to immerse students in building: 21st century skills habits of mind of effective learners workplace skills

The enGauge 21st-Century Skills

Skills and proficiencies identified in literature, research, education, business, industry Digital age literacy Inventive thinking Effective communication High productivity

Adapted from North Central Regional Education Laboratory

Habits of Mind

From research on effective thinkers… Persisting Listening to others with understanding and empathy Thinking flexibly Striving for accuracy and precision Questioning and posting problems Gathering data through all senses Creating, imagining, and innovating Taking responsible risks Thinking interdependently Learning continuously

From A.L. Costa and B. Kallick, eds., Discovering and Exploring Habits of Mind

Identifying Skills:Project based learning outcomes

Communication Speaking, presenting, writing, publishing

Technology Literacy, use of software applications and other

technology Group Process

Delegating, teamwork, communication Design

Planning, goal setting, use of criteria Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Task- and Self Management

Timeliness, organization

Adapted from John Thomas

Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills

Workplace Skills Productively utilize:

Resources Interpersonal skills Information Systems Technology

Foundation Competencies Need:

Basic skills Thinking skills Personal qualities

Adapted from What Work Requires of Schools: A SCANS Report for America 2000

Skills for Success in the Knowledge Age

Critical Thinking and Doing Problem solving, research, project management

Creativity New knowledge creation, “best fit” design

Collaboration Cooperation, compromise, community building

Cross-Cultural Understanding Diverse ethnic, knowledge and organizational cultures

Communication Clear messages and effective use of a variety of media

Computing Electronic information and tools

Career and Learning Self Reliance Change, lifelong learning

Adapted from Bernie Trilling and Paul Hood, Education Technology

Struggles

Persistence Data gathering Task and self-management Communication and collaboration Realities of institutional change Patience Complexity Time management

Conclusions

4 interns ≠ 1 sustainability coordinator Require strong mentoring and

scaffolding Engage campus community Develop student leaders Further institutional sustainability efforts Prepare students for future careers

Questions?