Sustainability as an integral part of the learning process: a lecturer’s experience
Sustainable development is no longer just a theoretical concept – it has become an essential part of the study content and teaching approach at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU). Lecturer and researcher Kristīne Blumfelde-Rutka from the Faculty of Social Sciences emphasises that universities play a crucial role in educating society about sustainability and setting a practical example.
‘Diversifying university study course content with sustainability-related topics is a key factor that allows universities to take on a significant role in global sustainable development. This is the first step towards informing, educating, and – importantly – actively engaging students.’
Putting sustainability into practice – from idea to solution
In the study course Consumer Behaviour, led by Blumfelde-Rutka, sustainability issues are not only discussed but also implemented in practice. Teams of students, in collaboration with the RSU Student Union’s (SP, Studējošo pašpārvalde) project Zaļš (“Green”), analysed consumer habits and explored ways to reduce barriers to adopting sustainable lifestyles.
The students examined environmental, social, and economic aspects, developing communication strategies and video materials to raise public awareness of sustainable actions. This approach allows complex theoretical concepts to be learned through real-life practice and creative problem-solving, while also fostering professional skills useful for future careers.
‘Students not only created content but also learned to analyse consumer behaviour and develop marketing campaigns that encourage behavioural change. These are valuable skills for future work in communication and advertising,’
notes Blumfelde-Rutka.
Student experience: sustainability as a personal challenge
Third-year students of the bachelor’s programme International Marketing and Advertising, Stefānija Dzene and Evelīna Jonaite, highlight that this approach helped them see sustainability issues from a new perspective:
‘The most valuable part was that there was no single right answer – we had to identify the problems and come up with solutions ourselves. We didn’t talk in abstract terms – we looked at what surrounds us. We studied textile sorting, visited collection points, donated clothes, and documented our experience on video. It allowed us to turn theory into practice.’
Students agree that sustainability becomes a natural part of the study process even when it’s not explicitly assigned – it’s relevant and personally meaningful.
Lecturer support and innovative teaching methods
Blumfelde-Rutka emphasises that successful integration of sustainability topics relies on close collaboration with students, active feedback, and carefully planned activities. ‘It’s not just about giving an assignment and waiting for results – it’s about working together with students: analysing ideas, providing guidance, and offering support. This significantly increases student motivation,’ she explains. This approach reflects the innovative spirit and contemporary paedagogy of RSU lecturers – where learning happens through dialogue and practice, linking science, education, and societal needs.
Sustainability – a shared responsibility
RSU lecturers and students demonstrate that sustainability is not only something to be studied but also a value to be lived. Through various courses, research, and student initiatives, the university fosters understanding, competence, and responsibility for the future of society.
‘The Sustainable Development Goals can serve as a compass, helping us recognise what we are already doing and how we can continue to improve,’ concludes Blumfelde-Rutka.
