Integrating the objectives of sustainable development into teaching

Abstract

The approval in September 2015 of the 2030 Agenda and the sustainable development goals (SDG) by the General Assembly of the United Nations will change the work paradigm in countries, companies, and citizens. The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice.

Universities cannot be excluded from these changes. Thus, the agreement signed among different Spanish universities and the Department of Transparency, Social Responsibility, Participation and Cooperation of the Generalitat Valenciana (Spain) promotes greater knowledge of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs by the university community.

This paper describes the research project carried out by the educational innovation group of the Jaume I University of Castellón to integrate the objectives of sustainable development into teaching. Paper shows the general and specific objectives of the project, the work plan developed, the indicators used to measure the success of the project, and the results achieved.

The benefits of the project are summarized in: (1) the identification of the necessary skills for sustainability both in teachers and students, (2) the evaluation and comparison of teachers and students’ sustainability and SDG knowledge through a questionnaire, (3) the re-design of the curriculum of different subjects.