Course Description:

This course is designed for middle and high school students to delve into sustainability and its connection to education for sustainable development (ESD). Students will embark on a journey to explore the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and learn how to integrate sustainability into their daily lives and school communities.

Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the essence of sustainability and its fundamental principles.
• Comprehend the significance of ESD and its role in fostering sustainable development.
• Identify the 17 SDGs and their intricate relationship.
• Understand, detect, and categorize political and media narratives.
• Analyse and deconstruct the complex and interconnected nature of wicked problems, identifying key stakeholders, potential solutions, and ethical considerations involved in navigating their challenges.
• Implement sustainability practices into their daily routines, encompassing mindful consumption, and proper waste segregation.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the target vocabulary related to sustainability.
• Recognize environmental challenges in their surroundings and devise real-world solutions through individual or team projects.
• Promote (or have the tools to promote) sustainability within their schools and communities.

Teaching Methods:

• Interactive lectures and discussions: Foster active learning and engagement through hybrid methods like polls, breakout rooms, and online discussions alongside in-person classroom interaction.
• Engaging activities and projects: Enhance understanding and application of concepts through both in-person and online activities, using collaborative tools and platforms to connect remote and in-class participants.
• Hands-on experiences and field trips: Connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications through a combination of in-person experiences and virtual field trips or simulations accessible to remote learners.
• Collaborative learning opportunities: Promote teamwork and peer-to-peer interaction through both physical and virtual group work, utilizing collaborative online tools and platforms to bridge the gap between remote and in-class students.
• Technology integration: Enhance accessibility and enrich learning experiences by utilizing a blend of traditional classroom tools with online platforms and resources, ensuring equal participation and engagement for all students regardless of location.

Additional notes:

• The specific implementation of these methods will depend on the curriculum, student needs, and available resources.
• Careful planning and preparation are crucial for successful hybrid instruction.
• The use of a Learning Management System (LMS) to manage course content, assignments, and communication between students and instructors is recommended.

By integrating the hybrid teaching method, these traditional techniques can be adapted to cater to both in-person and remote learners, creating a more inclusive and engaging learning environment for everyone.