Integrating Sustainability Competencies in Curriculum
According to the Swedish Higher Education Act (1992:1434, Chapter 1, Section 5), “higher education institutions shall promote sustainable development to assure for present and future generations a sound and healthy environment, economic and social welfare, and justice”. This course aims to contribute to this cause through providing educators at Lund University with the tools and knowledge to integrate sustainability competencies into courses or degree programmes. The course provides protected time for exploration and discussion, as well as the opportunity to develop a small pragmatic individual project.
Description
This course is a thematic course, providing advanced pedagogical training for teachers across all academic levels at all faculties of Lund University. The course explores various relevant pedagogical theories and approaches to advance education for sustainable development (ESD) and teaching for sustainability (TfS); for example, sustainability competencies and transformative pedagogies. The course actively considers these concepts in relation to intended learning outcomes, teaching and learning activities, and assessment methods.
The course hosts several participatory workshops, which provide participants with the opportunity to observe, interrogate, and practice various sustainability competencies and supporting pedagogical approaches. The individual course project invites participants to produce teaching resources that are immediately actionable in their own classes or degree programmes. This will be accompanied by a brief individual reflective essay, connecting one’s pedagogical choices with the broader course content and institutional context.
Scope & Assessment
The course is equivalent to one week of pedagogical training, corresponding to 40 hours of full-time work. To receive a certificate, course participants shall demonstrate achievement of the intended learning outcomes by:
- Actively participating in discussions.
- Submitting an individual course project.
- Attending at least 80% of classroom or online activities.
If a participant does not complete the course within the specified time, all course components must be submitted within three years of commencement in order to receive a course certificate.
In order to pass the course, the participant should have demonstrated the ability to:
- Understand the core principles of sustainability and how they motivate the need for sustainability competencies.
- Understand and recognise the eight sustainability competencies, as well as contrast and relate these competencies to general, professional, and other disciplinary competencies.
- Apply pedagogical theories and approaches that advance sustainability competencies.
- Design activities, courses or degree programs that incorporate sustainability competencies.
- Evaluate and adapt teaching methods to foster critical thinking, creativity, and transformative learning for sustainability in relevant disciplinary and institutional contexts.
- Reflect on the role of the educator in incorporating sustainability principles in their work and life.
Previous coursework in pedagogy is required to participate in the course. For example, participants shall have completed the course ‘Introduction to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education’ or similar. Alternatively, those with two years of teaching experience or a permanent contract for a teaching position will also be considered for enrolment.
Who is this course for?
This thematic course is suitable for anyone with an interest in integrating sustainability in their teaching practice. Thus, we welcome a wide range of participants.
Lund University has committed to including sustainability in the curriculum of all degree programmes. Thus, this course is especially suited for individuals that:
- Wish to receive support, inspiration, and resources to advance teaching for sustainability.
- Wish to respond to changing student needs and expectations, both professionally and civically, during a time of great uncertainty.
- Teach courses that are relevant to sustainability.
- Contribute to curriculum design in a course or degree programme.
- Desire to align their teaching practice with personally held values.
Progression
The course is offered by the Division for Higher Education Development (AHU) as one of several different thematic courses. For those interested in continuing to develop their competence, learn more about our university-wide initiative called 'Teaching for Sustainability'.
Join the community in 'Teaching for Sustainability' – ahu.lu.se