The end of October is quietly approaching, and so many interesting things have happened at TTK University of Applied Sciences, but let’s take you back to the first half of October, when the international intensive study week (BIP) “International Perspectives on Sustainability and Climate Change” took place under the leadership of the chief lecturers of the TTK Centre for Humanities and Economics, Helen Kiis and Raili Juurikas.
BIP brought together 36 students from Germany, North Macedonia, Portugal, and TTK to collaborate on discussing and finding solutions to sustainability and climate change issues using a combination of digital tools and real-world experiences.
Before the study week at TTK, there was an insightful online course where participants held lectures and worked in groups via Zoom. The combination of digital and physical learning is often a good opportunity for participants to explore theoretical knowledge online beforehand and share and practically apply it during the intensive study week. The week was divided into theme days: Monday – international cooperation. The week and day were opened by Reelika Runnel, head of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Department of the Ministry of Climate, and TTK’s development vice-rector Tarmo Sildeberg. Tuesday – sustainable society. The day was enriched by Sten Weidebaum from Eesti Laulu- ja Tantsupeo SA, who introduced his operational environment and provided students with a case study on how to make large events even more sustainable.
Wednesday, or sustainable entrepreneurship day, was an excursion and study visit to Estonian Cell AS to learn about sustainable solutions, future vision, challenges, and production there. The students also received a case to be solved together in Mõdriku, but before that, they enjoyed an engaging day at the always exciting Rakvere Castle. Thursday focused on shaping a sustainable self through nudging, which Heiko Leesment has explored extensively and knows many good nudging tips. On Friday, together with Kaidi Aher from Tallinn – European Green Capital 2023, they reflected on activities, successes, and challenges related to the green capital title.
BIPs have an important impact on both students and educational institutions. 34 students who provided feedback shared that their knowledge about sustainability improved, intercultural competence increased, and they made plenty of new friendships. Educators highly valued the increased and enhanced collaboration and the sharing of pedagogical practices between educational institutions, laying the groundwork for future collaborative projects. The next edition of this BIP is planned for the fall of 2025 in Coimbra, Portugal.
