Dr Meike Sauerwein
Division of Environment and Sustainability
Course Taught: ENVR 1080 The Smart Consumer - Uncovering the Hidden Story behind the Product Label

As environmental concerns escalate and sustainable practices become ever-more critical to future survivability, making eco-friendly awareness and activities a part of students’ daily lives is now a must, not a maybe. In her popular interdisciplinary course, ENVR 1080, Dr Meike SAUERWEIN has notably attained these goals through her emphasis on the role of the consumer rather than the traditional producer-focused perspective.

Alive to the complexities of teaching sustainability, Meike seeks to use class time not only to convey facts and concepts but to develop the critical mindset and openness to change that can empower students to find solutions to tomorrow’s challenges. She achieves this by fostering two-way classroom communication through a variety of strategies: keeping explanations simple and employing local and global materials relatable to life to address Common Core learner diversity and nurture a respectful, inclusive atmosphere; actively involving students in the thinking process through interactive lectures, games, discussions, and cases; providing guidance and feedback on ideas and assignments; and leveraging online channels to encourage equitable participation.

Indeed, since launching the course in 2017, Meike has self-developed an array of tailored teaching tools to inspire deeper reflection on sustainability, consumerism, and personal lifestyle choices, as well as answer the need for localized materials. Examples include the innovative life-cycle MilkCo. board game; and a Hong Kong-specific carbon calculator app for students to quantify their carbon footprint and calculate what a low-carbon lifestyle would individually entail.

Along with such dynamic creativity, Meike fully recognizes the importance of feedback and continuous re-evaluation, enhancement, and redesign, which are highly appreciated by students as reflected in the course end evaluation. Meanwhile, class feedback highlights her own course’s transformative impact. “It made me really reflect on my actions”, one student commented. Another stated: “Meike always encourages students to share and think beyond the box.”

With her successful quest to ignite students’ interest in sustainable consumption, passion for continuous improvement to the benefit of learners, and dedication to inclusiveness, Meike undoubtedly serves as an exemplary model for Common Core educators and a highly deserving recipient of the 2024 Common Core Teaching Excellence Award.