UGANDA MARTRYRS UNIVERSITY

Question Two (2)

It might be asserted that the underlying goal of Education for Sustainable development is to
expose the challenges to sustainable development and help the student contribute to
meeting these challenges.  Define  the concept of sustainable development and education
for sustainable development, and  discuss  how education for sustainable development can
contribute to or prepare students to meet these challenges

BY

LUKYAMUZI GONZAGA

2022-M313-21467

YEAR: ONE MED

SEMESTER: TWO

LECTURER: MR. IKA LINO

COURSE UNIT: EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

COURSEWORK.

10th April 2023

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 Table of contents
INTRODUCTION

1.1 The role does education play in sustainable development

1.1.1 Good quality education

1.1.2 System’s thinking

1.1.3 Anticipatory thinking

1.1.4 Normative competence

1.1.5 Strategic competence

1.1.6 Interpersonal competence

1.1.7 Taking conscious decisions

1.1.8 Promotes competencies

1.1.9 Acquire knowledge and skills

1.1.10 Intercultural dialogue and understanding

1.1.11 Decision making

1.1. 12 Education raises the economic status of families

Conclusion.

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INTRODUCTION

Education for sustainable development (ESD) is a major concern for 21 st-century society. And is
an essential tool for achieving sustainability (Mohd-Yusof et al., 2015). People around the world
recognize that current economic development trends are not sustainable and that public
awareness, education, and training are key to moving society toward sustainability.
We refer to three concepts as "education for sustainable development," "education for
sustainability," and "sustainability education" (SE). Since ESD is a term that is frequently used in
international and UN documents, we use it the most frequently. However, we shouldn't believe
that education is a means of achieving sustainability.

1.0 Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is a concept that was developed in response to growing concerns about
how society as a whole is affecting the environment. The Brundtland Commission, formerly
known as the World Commission on Environment and Development, defined sustainable
development as "development that satisfies the present without compromising the ability of
future generations to satisfy their own needs” (1987). For instance, a healthy, prosperous society
depends on a healthy environment to give its residents access to resources, clean air, safe
drinking water, and food. In order to protect the environment and future generations, sustainable
development places a strong emphasis on social justice and the reduction of poverty.

1.1 The role does education play in sustainable development

“Education for Sustainable Development empowers learners to take informed decisions and
responsible actions for environmental integrity, economic viability, and a just society, for present
and future generations, while respecting cultural diversity.”(Pippa et al., 2021)

Education for sustainable development plays a crucial role in the transformation of society
towards a more sustainable pathway of development. The new trends in society and technology
experienced in the course of the fourth industrial revolution come with challenges, but also
provide opportunities (Brudermann et al., 2019)

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1.1.1 Good quality education; ESD promotes knowledge, skills, understanding, values and
actions to create a sustainable world, focusing on environmental protection, social equity and
economic sustainability (adapted from ‘UN Decade of Sustainable Development UNESCO
Nairobi Cluster

1.1.2 System’s thinking; Systems thinking gives students a lens to look at the world in all its
complexity, messiness, and uncertainty. For example, when studying energy production from a
system’s perspective, then students would identify things like the system’s actors, dynamics,
leverage points, thresholds, or feedback loops (Donella H. Meadows, 2008).

1.1.3 Anticipatory thinking; enables learners to think creatively and critically about the future.
How will the environment be impacted when current consumption trends continue? How would
a sustainable world look like? What are the unintended consequences of sustainability policies?
Among others, students learn about scenario planning, transition management, modelling, and
simulations (Donella H. Meadows, 2008).

1.1.4 Normative competence; Students develop their own definitions of what sustainability
means to them and how the world should be. Students study subjects like intergenerational
equity, multi-criteria assessment, climate justice, and ethics in order to accomplish this. This
gives them the opportunity to debate, among other things, whether or not certain products,
businesses, objectives, or systems promote sustainability. (Meadows and Wright, 2008).

1.1.5 Strategic competence; Sustainability education teaches students how to ‘get things done’.
This is why they need to learn how to, among others:

 Design sustainability projects, policies, and campaigns;

 Navigate the complexities of multi-stakeholder processes;
 Overcome resistance and deal with criticism;
 Or continue to reflect on and monitor change processes.

1.1.6 Interpersonal competence; Students need to think critically, holistically, and

collaboratively to become sustainability leaders, and ESD pedagogies promote the learning of
skills, perspectives, and values necessary to foster sustainable societies. (Laurie et al., 2016).

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1.1.7 Taking conscious decisions; with the help of education for sustainable development,
students can not only be prepared for the demands of their lives and careers but also contribute to
more sustainable development and make informed decisions. The Sustainable Development
Goals can only be addressed if education leaders and stakeholders are willing to change their
curricula and mobilize the teaching force to bring about the change that our global community
requires. (Garcia et al., 2017).

1.1.8 Promotes competencies; Education for sustainable development entails integrating

important topics like climate change, disaster risk reduction, biodiversity, poverty alleviation,
and sustainable consumption into teaching and learning. It also calls for interactive teaching and
learning techniques that inspire and equip students to alter their behavior and take action in
support of sustainable development. Therefore, education for sustainable development
encourages skills like critical thinking, envisioning potential futures, and working with others
(Pauw et al., 2015).

1.1.9 Acquire knowledge and skills; Sustainable development through education enables the
student to acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary to advance sustainable development,
including, among other things, through education for sustainable development and sustainable
lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, the promotion of a culture of peace and nonviolence,
global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and the role of culture in sustainable
development (O’Flaherty and Liddy, 2018).

1.1.10 Intercultural dialogue and understanding; As it challenges presumptions and opens up

possibilities for novel and imaginative ways of living, intercultural dialogue is crucial for
understanding and influencing social and cultural change processes. It gives people the chance to
learn about different cultures firsthand and gives them the chance to connect with them, respect
them, and exchange knowledge (Tilbury, D. and Mulà, I, 2009).

1.1.11 Decision making; Education is essential for good community-based decisions that affect
social, economic, and environmental well-being, and citizens can act to protect their
communities by analyzing reports and data. Quality of life is also improved through education
(OECD and OECD, 2012)

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 1.1. 12 Education raises the economic status of families; Education for Sustainable
Development aims to improve living conditions, reduce infant mortality, and improve
educational attainment, raising the chances for economic and social well-being (United
Nations,2006)

Conclusion

Education for Sustainable Development involves adapting the teaching-learning process to a

more all-encompassing approach and integrating significant environmental challenges like
climate change into foundational subjects like math, science, and art. As a result, students are
better able to connect what they learn in school to what they do in real life. As this approach to
education is adopted more widely, students will be in a better position to take the initiative in
changing behaviors and embracing sustainable lifestyles. Young people can succeed in leading
lives that not only advance humanity but also care for and respect our planet's resources by being
given these pertinent skills in addition to their environmental knowledge hence preparing them to
overcome challenges.

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