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CRAFTS: Co-Designing Reflective Approaches for the Teaching of Sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Kieran Higgins

    (Kieran Higgins, Learning Enhancement Directorate, Ulster University, 2-24 York Street, Belfast BT15 1AP, United Kingdom. E-mail: k.higgins@ulster.ac.uk)

  • Alison Calvert

    (Alison Calvert, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.)

Abstract

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) provides a viable framework for integrating sustainability into higher education curriculum design. This article proposes the CRAFTS (Co-Designing Reflective Approaches for the Teaching of Sustainability) methodology, leveraging Design Thinking principles to seamlessly incorporate ESD into curricula. The stages of CRAFTS—Co-Design, Theoretical Alignment, Learning Design, Curriculum Planning, Curriculum Testing and Empathize Further—offer a structured yet flexible approach to curriculum development through stakeholder collaboration, alignment with ESD theory and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the use of transformative pedagogy and active learning strategies, consolidated into actionable curriculum plans and supported by continuous evaluation and iterative improvement. This methodology not only prepares students to address complex sustainability issues but also ensures higher education institutions fulfil their ethical and moral responsibilities. By embedding ESD principles authentically and dynamically, CRAFTS can cultivate future-ready graduates who are passionate advocates for a sustainable world.

Suggested Citation

  • Kieran Higgins & Alison Calvert, 2024. "CRAFTS: Co-Designing Reflective Approaches for the Teaching of Sustainability," Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, , vol. 18(1), pages 45-55, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jousus:v:18:y:2024:i:1:p:45-55
    DOI: 10.1177/0169796X241299929
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Edoardo Thomas Alfonso Maria Eichberg & Aurelie Charles, 2024. "The Role of the Civic University in Facilitating Inclusive and Transformative Pedagogical Approaches to the Sustainable Development Goals: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-26, March.
    2. Jui-Che Tu & Li-Xia Liu & Kuan-Yi Wu, 2018. "Study on the Learning Effectiveness of Stanford Design Thinking in Integrated Design Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-21, July.
    3. Jelle Boeve-de Pauw & Niklas Gericke & Daniel Olsson & Teresa Berglund, 2015. "The Effectiveness of Education for Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(11), pages 1-25, November.
    4. Andrea Corres & Marco Rieckmann & Anna Espasa & Isabel Ruiz-Mallén, 2020. "Educator Competences in Sustainability Education: A Systematic Review of Frameworks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-24, November.
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