FOSTERING SUSTAINABILITY COMPETENCIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A MULTIMODAL APPROACH THROUGH TIME2ACT@SD MOOC

Abstract

Content:
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global plan for a sustainable future. It is important to give teachers and students in higher education the knowledge and skills they need to address these goals. This paper looks at the "Time2Act@SDG" Erasmus+ project, which is developing online courses to help people in higher education institutions (HEI) understand the SDGs.

Objectives:
The project addresses the need for a comprehensive approach to sustainability education, aligning with Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) that covers cognitive, socio-emotional, and behavioural aspects. Time2Act@SDG offers three MOOCs on key SDG areas: environment, economy, and social issues. This approach lets us look closely at specific sustainability problems.

Methodology:
The project also uses different pedagogical and innovative approaches. Interactive content, digital tools and new teaching methods help students achieving the 4Cs, by helping them think critically, solve problems, communicate and work together. Workshops and bootcamps help people learn by doing and change their behavior. This paper analyzes the MOOCs' design and pedagogy to understand how they contribute to essential SDG competencies among HEI.

Expected results:
The analysis will show how the MOOCs help teachers and students meet the SDG goals and develop their skills concerning the 4Cs (Critical Thinking; Creativity; Collaboration; Communication). This includes developing critical thinking, problem-solving and collaborative skills. Additionally, the project's open-access resources could have a big impact globally.

Limitations:
This paper looks at how MOOCs are designed and delivered. Further research could look at what participants learned and how it changed their behavior.
Originality: The Time2Act@SDG project uses MOOCs and a variety of learning methods to enhance HE students and teachers skills about the Sustainable Development Goals. This paper offers new insights into how this design can help HEI around the world learn about the SDGs.