Synergies between multi-level strategies to better prepare our students for a highly uncertain future

Abstract

As engineering faculties strive to educate students equipped to navigate accelerating polycrises, a persistent challenge is embedding sustainability coherently across curricula at the Faculty of Engineering (LTH) at Lund University. This paper articulates and discusses a contextual, multi-level model that leverages synergies between three complementary strategies: (1) grassroots course development that scaffolds sustainability progression; (2) middle-out program- and LU level efforts to build capacity and confidence in teachers to teach for sustainability, and (3) top-down measures like compulsory training. Examples are provided and opportunities and challenges are discussed. An important aspect is the need for a purposeful coordination between management and “teachers on the floor” to effectively prepare our students for continuous adaptation of the competencies, knowledge and skills needed in an uncertain future.