DEVELOPING GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES USING A SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT PROJECT

Abstract

Ashby’s sustainability assessment method provides a systematic framework for dealing with complex, multidisciplinary problems. It also provides a framework for helping graduate students develop many desired graduate attributes. In this study, Ashby’s method was used in a third-year group sustainability assessment project, after which the development of three Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board graduate attributes (i.e., professionalism, impact on society and the environment, and life-long learning) were assessed. Students were surveyed to self-assess their level of competence in selected graduate attribute indicators, using Western Engineering programs’ Graduate Attributes indicators and rubric. After completing the project, most students assessed their abilities to be good to excellent under most indicators. Students also rated the project as being effective in developing these attributes.