Enhancing curricular integration of the SDGs: fostering active methodologies through cross-departmental collaboration in a Spanish university
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
ISSN: 1467-6370
Article publication date: 5 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of active teaching methodologies, namely, problem-oriented learning and the case method, to develop sustainability competencies. It also analyses the advantages and challenges for teachers when implementing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in eight undergraduate and postgraduate degrees within the framework of a cross-departmental collaboration.
Design/methodology/approach
A mixed research methodology was used: a quantitative study to assess the levels of acquisition of sustainability and research competencies and the potential correlation between them, as well as a mixed study of the advantages and challenges for the teachers participating in the cross-departmental initiative. Curriculum content linked to the SDGs was worked on. Active teaching methodologies and a competency assessment rubric were used as curriculum implementation strategies in the eight courses involved.
Findings
Active teaching methodologies are suitable to implement the SDGs in university teaching and to develop both sustainability and research competencies. A synergic effect is observed between them. Coordinated work between teachers of different subjects in several degrees contributes to developing a culture of sustainability at the university.
Research limitations/implications
Although the collaboration between teachers from different disciplines was successful, this study did not promote interdisciplinary projects among students from different degrees. This promises to be highly valuable for future research.
Practical implications
Students can become present and future leaders in achieving the SDGs. This approach can be replicated in other educational institutions.
Social implications
This study bridges the gap between theoretical recommendations and the practical implementation of the SDGs in undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Originality/value
Coordinated work between teachers of different subjects in different degrees contributes to the development of a culture of sustainability at the university.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank to Ann Swinnen for the feedback and comments and also to three anonymous reviewers for helpful comments on an earlier version of this article.
Funding: This research was carried out thanks to a grant received for the First Prize of the III Puig Scholarship in Teaching Innovation of the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona, Spain) on 4 May, 2020, with an economic endowment of 9,580€. The project that awarded this financial support is entitled: “Active teaching methodologies to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in an interdisciplinary manner at UIC Barcelona.”
Citation
Albareda-Tiana, S., Fernandez-Borsot, G., Berbegal-Mirabent, J., Regadera González, E., Mas-Machuca, M., Graell, M., Manresa, A., Fernández-Morilla, M., Fuertes-Camacho, M.T., Gutiérrez-Sierra, A. and Guardiola, J.M. (2024), "Enhancing curricular integration of the SDGs: fostering active methodologies through cross-departmental collaboration in a Spanish university", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-07-2023-0299
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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