Enhancing 'education about and for sustainability' in a tourism studies enterprise management course: an action research approach

Abstract

Action research informed a curriculum change process as well as the research approach used to enhance “education about and for sustainability” in a tourism studies enterprise management course. The course was substantially changed from previous offerings. Such changes included removal of the end of semester final examination, introduction of a critical, reflexive journal activity, use of critical scorecards, and the inclusion of regular industry guest lecturers, all of which specifically addressed sustainability principles and issues for tourism enterprise management. The change process enhanced student learning regarding sustainability principles with respect to their future professional careers. Students' critical thinking abilities were further developed as a result of the changed learning engagements. Additionally, the changed learning engagements and teaching approach engendered student responsibility for learning outcomes