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Education for Sustainable Development

Dr. Evren Tok, Dr. Esmat Zaidan, Dr. Jennifer Bruder, Dr. Leslie Alexander Pal, Dr. Hira Amin, Dr. Logan Cochrane, Dr. Duygu Sever Mehmetoglu, and Ms. Alina Zaman

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

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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.

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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Module 4 : The Head, Heart, and Hands of ESD: An In-depth Analysis Using SDG 12.
Module 5 : Localizing SDG Education and Building Ecosystems.
Module 6 : SDG Education and Values.
Final Assessment.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
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

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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
Provides firsthand experience in applying sustainability principles and making a positive impact.
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  • Identify local sustainability organizations or initiatives
  • Volunteer your time and skills
Review math skills
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
Establishes a baseline understanding of sustainable development and Amartya Sen's foundational book.
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  • Read the book and make notes on key concepts
  • Summarize the main arguments of the book
Eight other activities
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Show all 11 activities
Explore Online Tutorials on Global Perspectives in ESD
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
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
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
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
Provides practical and tailored insights on implementing education for sustainability.
Show steps
  • 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
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
Offers opportunities for collaboration with other educators and exposure to innovative approaches.
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Develop a concept map
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

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