Enhancing Knowledge and Learning in Sustainable Developments at Universities

Abstract

The green movement in Singapore is said to begin in earnest when the Government introduced the Green Mark Scheme in 2005, and a sustainability legislation in 2008 that mandates buildings to obtain a green mark certification. Professionals in the construction and real estate industry as well as students in design and environment are required to be familiar with the legislation and the requirements for the green certification. This paper discusses the use of an innovative case study and blended teaching approach in delivering topics on sustainable development at the tertiary level. This integrated approach has the advantage of injecting real life situations to students which will enhance their knowledge and learning at a measured pace suited to the students. An exploratory survey with students undertaking sustainability studies was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the approach. The results of the survey are discussed and the implications highlighted. The study confirms the findings of earlier research on the benefits of blended teaching and case studies.