Scribd
Upload
2 views5 pages

Sustainable Classrooms A Guide for Teachers on Implementing the SDGs

The document is a guide for teachers on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in classrooms, emphasizing the importance of education for sustainable development (ESD) and its competencies. It outlines the interconnected nature of the 17 SDGs and provides strategies for integrating these goals into teaching through project-based learning and active engagement. The guide aims to equip students with the skills and values necessary to contribute to a sustainable future.

Uploaded by

technicalzdudez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views5 pages

Sustainable Classrooms A Guide for Teachers on Implementing the SDGs

The document is a guide for teachers on implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in classrooms, emphasizing the importance of education for sustainable development (ESD) and its competencies. It outlines the interconnected nature of the 17 SDGs and provides strategies for integrating these goals into teaching through project-based learning and active engagement. The guide aims to equip students with the skills and values necessary to contribute to a sustainable future.

Uploaded by

technicalzdudez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

Sustainable Classrooms

A Guide for Teachers on Implementing the


SDGs

Page | 1
WHAT ARE THE SDGS?
SDGs stand for Sustainable Development Goals. They are 17 global goals set by
the United Nations in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development. The goals aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure
peace and prosperity for all by 2030. They address the world’s most pressing
social, economic and environmental issues, including poverty, hunger,
inequality, and climate change. The 17 SDGs are interconnected and cover
various themes, including quality education, clean water and sanitation, decent
work and economic growth, and action on climate change. The SDGs serve as a
roadmap for countries, organisations, and individuals to take action and make a
positive impact in the world.

SDG FRAMEWORK
The SDGs offer a comprehensive framework for learning
about and taking action towards creating a better world.
The 17 SDGs are grouped into five overarching themes:
people, planet, prosperity, peace, and partnership. These
goals cover a wide range of local and global issues, from
ending poverty and hunger to reducing inequality and
addressing climate change. It is important to note that the
17 SDGs are interrelated and cannot be achieved in
isolation.

For example, education is a key component of SDG 4


(Quality education), but it is also crucial for achieving other
goals such as SDG 12 (Responsible production and
consumption). Additionally, SDG 5 (Gender equality)
focuses on equality for women and girls, but it is integral to
all of the SDGs. The SDGs are also inclusive and come with
a pledge to ‘leave no one behind’; meaning that no goal will
be considered met unless it is met for everyone.

Page | 2
EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Education for sustainable development (ESD) for preschoolers involves teaching
young students the skills, values, and knowledge needed to create a sustainable
future and to make them responsible global citizens. ESD focuses on developing
environmentally responsible and socially conscious behaviours while promoting
awareness and understanding of cultural diversity, human rights, and the
interconnectedness of people and communities across the world. These concepts
can be taught through hands-on activities, storytelling, and interactive learning
experiences that encourage students to think critically, collaborate, and solve
problems together. The goal of ESD for EYE students is to lay a foundation for a
more just and sustainable world.

ESD COMPETENCIES FOR STUDENTS


Competencies for education for sustainable development (ESD) in preschoolers include:
1. Environmental awareness and responsibility: Understanding the importance of preserving and
protecting the environment, and the impact of their actions on it.
2. Critical thinking and problem solving: Developing the ability to analyse and solve problems related to
sustainability, such as reducing waste, conserving energy and resources, and protecting biodiversity.
3. Collaboration and teamwork: Learning to work with others to find solutions to environmental and social
challenges.
4. Communication and negotiation: Developing effective communication
and negotiation skills to engage in respectful dialogue and build consensus
around sustainability issues.
5. Empathy and respect for diversity: Developing an understanding and
appreciation of cultural diversity, and the importance of treating others
with respect and empathy.
6. Personal and social responsibility: Understanding their role in creating a
more sustainable and just world, and taking action to make a positive
impact in their community.

Page | 3
EDUCATION ABOUT AND FOR THE SDGs
The 17 SDGs inspire young individuals to expand their learning through critical
thinking and to take concrete actions based on their understanding of real-world
issues. The SDGs provide a framework for a more active and intentional approach
to learning. It is important to distinguish between learning about the SDGs and
learning for the SDGs. The themes and topics of the SDGs can be integrated into
various subjects within the curriculum (education about). Additionally, the
framework enables students to go beyond just learning and thinking, and take
action towards sustainable development and well-being at the school, community,
and global level (education for).

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING (PBL)


Project-based learning (PBL) is an approach to education that engages students in hands-on, real-world activities
that allow them to learn and apply concepts in a meaningful and relevant way. In ESD-based PBL, young students
are challenged to address sustainability issues and work on projects that promote environmental awareness,
responsibility, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and collaboration.
For example, an ESD-based PBL might involve students working together to design and create a vegetable
garden, from planning the layout and selecting the plants to caring for the garden over time. This project
provides opportunities for students to learn about plant growth, composting, water conservation, and other
important sustainability concepts.

Through PBL, students can develop their curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking
skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. ESD-based PBL
can also promote positive attitudes towards the environment, and foster a sense
of personal and social responsibility for sustainability.
By incorporating the SDGs into teaching, teachers can help students develop the
skills, values, and knowledge they need to create a sustainable future.

Page | 4
LEARN-THINK-ACT APPROACH
In addition to a comprehensive education on global issues, it provides opportunities for students to acquire new
skills, engage in critical thinking, and act as agents of change with effective reflection. It allows students to
examine, refine, and communicate their own values and perspectives while also showing respect for the
opinions of others. This process is crucial in equipping students to make informed decisions about their
involvement in global issues.

This handout provides a useful starting point for teachers and can be used as a reference for ongoing
professional development and growth.

Useful Links:

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 📑🌍 What are SDGs? 👧👦 - YouTube


Intro to Project-Based Learning - YouTube
Active Learning Strategies - YouTube

Page | 5

You might also like