Education for Sustainable Development from edX

Education for Sustainability (ESD) is an important part of UN SDG4, focusing on Quality Education. Yet, its success heavily depends on three aspects:

First, understanding and learning from global best practices.
Second, localizing the content.
Third, creating holistic, inclusive pedagogical approaches and value-based frameworks.

Localizing promotes a bottom-up approach by allowing flexibility for local initiatives and a genuine engagement with relevant factors on the ground including community organizations, stakeholders, and institutions, both formal and informal.

Value-based, ethical frameworks are integral to nurturing the next generation of global citizens with the vision and determination to tackle the complex challenges ahead.

This course prepares all stakeholders involved in the SDG educational ecosystem, from policymakers, teachers, and community organizations and members, to design innovative, inclusive, and effective tools and platforms to instil in the next generation a sense of ownership, leadership, and responsibility for the future our world desperately needs to continue and flourish.

This MOOC has been partially supported by NPRP grant #12C-0804-190009 - SDG Education and Global Citizenship: Enhancing Qatar’s Nested Power in the Global Arena” from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation).

What's inside

Learning objectives

Participants will learn how to:
Support global efforts in promoting esd.
Promote global perspectives and best practices on esd.

Explain perspectives in integrating values, ethics and well-being in esd.
Relate esd practices to local communities and national priorities through contextually sensitive, value-centered processes.

Participants will learn how to:
Support global efforts in promoting esd.
Promote global perspectives and best practices on esd.
Explain perspectives in integrating values, ethics and well-being in esd.
Relate esd practices to local communities and national priorities through contextually sensitive, value-centered processes.

Syllabus

Module 1 : Foundations of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).

Module 2 : Global Networks and Policy in ESD.

Module 3 : Implementing ESD: Policy Transfer and Adaptation.

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Teaches how to design inclusive and effective educational materials to promote global awareness and responsibility

Taught by a variety of experienced educators and researchers with a strong reputation in the field of education for sustainability

Examines the relationship between education and the Sustainable Development Goals

Covers topics such as global perspectives, policy transfer, and localizing SDG education

Suitable for policymakers, teachers, community organizations, and members interested in promoting sustainable development

May require extensive background knowledge on the topic

Reviews summary

Holistic esd for global citizens

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and insightful overview of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Students highlight its relevance to current global challenges and value the focus on global best practices and localizing content, making it highly applicable for professionals. The emphasis on value-based frameworks and a holistic pedagogical approach, particularly the 'Head, Heart, and Hands' module, is frequently praised as transformative. While many found the content well-structured and engaging, some learners desired more concrete case studies and practical strategies, noting it can feel theoretical at times. It is largely seen as a strong foundation, especially for those new to the field, though some experienced practitioners found parts to be high-level or repetitive, wishing for deeper practical insights.

Ideal for those new to ESD, less for advanced practitioners.

"Good for beginners, but not for advanced practitioners."

"It might be better suited for those new to the field."

"Some sections lacked depth for someone with a background in environmental education."

Highly valued for its emphasis on local context and ethical frameworks.

"I really appreciate the emphasis on localizing content; it made the concepts highly relevant to my work in community education."

"I found the discussions around value-based frameworks in ESD particularly enriching. It truly broadened my perspective on what 'quality education' means."

"The emphasis on localized initiatives and community engagement was highly practical. I feel confident in applying these principles."

Provides a broad and insightful understanding of ESD.

"This course provided an incredibly comprehensive and insightful overview of Education for Sustainable Development."

"A solid introduction to ESD, covering global policies and implementation strategies."

"Good course for a general understanding of ESD. The content is well-researched."

Opinions vary on the practical application of the content.

"The course promised a lot but delivered mostly theoretical concepts without enough practical guidance."

"I'm a teacher and was looking for concrete examples and strategies. Much of the content felt like a rehash of basic sustainability principles."

"At times, I found it felt a bit theoretical, wishing for more case studies or real-world examples beyond conceptual discussions."

"I considered it a good foundation, but I felt it required further reading for deeper practical insights."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Education for Sustainable Development with these activities:

Participate in a Local Sustainability Initiative

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Provides firsthand experience in applying sustainability principles and making a positive impact.

Browse courses on Sustainability

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Identify local sustainability organizations or initiatives
Volunteer your time and skills

Review math skills

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Review basic math skills to strengthen your foundation for the course.

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Review basic arithmetic operations(+,-,*,/)
Solve simple equations
Practice solving inequalities

Review 'Development as Freedom' by Amartya Sen

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Establishes a baseline understanding of sustainable development and Amartya Sen's foundational book.

View Home in the World: A Memoir on Amazon

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Read the book and make notes on key concepts
Summarize the main arguments of the book

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Explore Online Tutorials on Global Perspectives in ESD

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Broadens understanding of global trends and practices in sustainability education.

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Find and watch online tutorials on global perspectives in ESD
Take notes on key insights and best practices

Engage in Peer Discussions on ESD Issues

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Fosters collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and critical thinking on sustainability topics.

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Find a peer group or discussion forum focused on ESD
Participate in discussions and share insights

Analyze Case Studies on ESD Implementation

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Develops analytical and critical thinking skills in evaluating sustainability education practices.

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Read and analyze case studies on ESD implementation
Identify key success factors and challenges

Solve practice problems

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Engage in problem-solving exercises to reinforce your understanding of the course concepts.

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Attempt solving practice problems from the textbook
Seek additional practice problems online
Discuss solutions with peers or instructors

Design a Localized Education for Sustainability Plan

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Provides practical and tailored insights on implementing education for sustainability.

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Identify local sustainability issues and priorities
Develop learning objectives aligned with local needs
Create a plan for implementing the education program

Design an ESD Curriculum Module

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Develops skills in designing and implementing effective sustainability education programs.

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Identify learning objectives and scope of the curriculum module
Develop lesson plans and activities
Create assessment strategies

Attend an ESD Workshop for Educators

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Offers opportunities for collaboration with other educators and exposure to innovative approaches.

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Develop a concept map

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Create a visual representation of the course concepts to enhance your understanding and retention.

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Identify the main concepts and their relationships
Use a visual tool (e.g., mind map, flow chart) to organize the concepts
Review and refine the concept map regularly

Career center

Learners who complete Education for Sustainable Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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Education for Sustainable Development

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Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Holistic esd for global citizens

Activities

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