1 Introducing the Goals
We’ve created this resource from a variety of sources. It is less like a textbook and more like a compilation of resources to be used by an instructor. Each section includes Essential Questions to begin thinking about each goal. There are a variety of Learning Activities for each goal. We have included some links to websites that include extra activities or alterative activities. Each section includes an Assessment piece. We have primarily used reflective journaling for assessment. There is a rubric at the end of this resource which might be helpful for assessing these journals. We wanted to use Open Pedagogy. Open pedagogy, also known as open educational practices (OEP), is the use of open educational resources (OER) to support learning, or the open sharing of teaching practices with a goal of improving education. When you use open pedagogy in your classroom, you are inviting your students to be part of the teaching process, participating in the co-creation of knowledge. In this resource, we’ve labeled the Open Pedagogy activities as “Renewable Assignment”. They may be used as a final project or as an activity within each unit.
Much of this resource came from “Sustainable Foundations: A Guide for Teaching the Sustainable Development Goals” The guide was modeled after an inquiry approach; where learners are stimulated with questions and information about a particular issue to construct new knowledge and understanding. In this approach, educators become facilitators of learning, with students empowered to become self-directed as they explore each issue individually and collectively. http://mcic.ca/pdf/SDG_Primer_FINAL.pdf
The “5 P’s” of the SDGs can help students understand why the Sustainable Development Goals are important and how we all will benefit from addressing each goal by 2030.
Which “P” is most important to you?
People
We are determined to end poverty and hunger, in all their forms and dimensions, and to ensure that all human beings can fulfill their potential in dignity and equality and in a healthy environment.
Planet
We are determined to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainable management of natural resources and by taking urgent action on climate change, so that the planet can support the needs of present and future generations.
Prosperity
We are determined to ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous /fulfilling lives and that economic, social and technological progress occurs in harmony with nature.
Peace
We are determined to foster peaceful, just and inclusive societies, which are free from fear and violence. There can be no sustainable development without peace and no peace without sustainable development.
Partnership
We are determined to implement this agenda through a global partnership, based on a spirit of global solidarity, focused in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable and with the participation of all countries, all stakeholders and all people.
“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.” -Margaret Mead
Activity: Participate in the Personal Profile System (Carlson Learning Company):
A Plan to help you understand self and others in a specific environment. Heighten understanding of your behavior profile & identify the environment most conducive to your success. At the same time, you learn about the differences of others.
The DiSC Personality Profile attempts to understand your personality based your natural behavioral tendencies. The assessment is based on William Moulton Marston’s DISC Theory published in his 1928 book, The Emotions of Normal People. The Theory identifies a person based on four distinct temperaments: https://www.onlinediscprofile.com/disc-classic/disc-classic-paper-profile/
Dominance (D Style)
Influence (i Style)
Steadiness (S Style)
Conscientiousness (C Style)
You may want to use the Case Studies or contact them for a workshop. Check out the resources anyway!
Activity: Tik Tok
Let’s watch Tik Tok! Utilizing this highly popular app, students will familiarize themselves with the 17 SDGs. Trending video components include topics such as MyPride, Rainforest Facts, Juneteenth, blacklivesmatter, WorldOceansDay, blackvoices, upcycling etc.. The “5 P’s” (People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace & Partnership) within the introduction of the SDGs, will help students understand why they are important. Let’s explore and analyze how the 17 SDGs are interwoven within the “5 P’s” via this social media platform.
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/01/tiktok-viral-social-media-millennials-centennials-internet/
We Are Helpers: PBS American Portrait
Activity: Vision Board project
Possible opinion ranking among the 17 SDGs as to where students think their community/county is lacking or strong. This introduction will provide the platform to readily choose a theme for Project Based learning at the conclusion of the course.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/16607092355859878/
Video: TED Talk: Lera Boroditsky: How language shapes the way we think
https://www.ted.com/talks/lera_boroditsky_how_language_shapes_the_way_we_think?language=en
Video: What Would You Do?
Video: What Would You Do? Host: John Quiñones. This docuseries captures the way people react when confronted with societal dilemmas that compel them to either take action or walk away. These videos may be used as a springboard for discussion by having groups look at different scenarios and present their options. There are technically no right or wrong answers but it does bring up some good discussion points for students to think critically about pros and cons in situations as well as possible consequences and outcomes. It helps them develop problem solving skills and brings up topics within the SDGs they may encounter.
Introductory Games
Here are a few fun games for students as an introduction to all of the 17 SDG’s.
- Global Goals Online Game: https://www.bookwidgets.com/play/QKUJZZ
- Downloadable Board Game for UNSDG’s. https://go-goals.org/downloadable-material/
- Video Introducing the Global Goals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XTBYMfZyrM
- 170 Daily Actions to take (10 for each goal) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iMdE6DLLuCqwq3K9U-DaTUWB6KyMa8QG/view
Renewable Assignment Options Guide
A Beginners Guide to Project-Based Learning
https://www.participatelearning.com/download-pbl-beginners-guide/
The Renewable Assignment Options in this course might be used each week or lead up to a final project for this class.
The idea is to use principles of open educational practices to encourage students to become agents of change. In this OER, we have include Renewable Assignment Options at the end of each Goal.
If you’d like to learn more about how to Embrace Open Pedagogy, these websites are good resources.
Know your issue
Identify the key challenges facing access and quality of education in your community. Find out what aspects and issues move you to do something. Know what the different perspectives are and make the case for why people should care too.
Set your goals
In order to identify your goals, and see the progress you have made, your goals should be SMART: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. Plan and play to your strengths and get your community involved.
Build a network
Advocacy for education works best when you get the support of others. Brainstorm anyone you think might be interested in advocating for education and start letting them know about your advocacy plan.
Identify your ask
Figure out who you need to ask and what it is you are asking. Having these two questions answered will help you direct your message and identify how you can take action.
Do a thing
Know that you have learned about your issue, get involved and put your passion on display. Support a local educational charity, gather a speaker together about girls’ education, find out what it takes to support children who have disabilities in the classroom and start an advocacy group.
Tell the world
Share your story, your concerns and your passion with the world. Use social media to speak up, to connect with leaders and dialogue about the issues.
Use your political voice
Get in touch with your mayor, MLA, MP or other decision-maker. You can write them a letter about the issues your class cares about, asking what steps they are taking on the issue. You can also ask them to come speak in your class. They can help you learn about what policies are in place and may even help you brainstorm ways improve those policies.
