Reflections on the learning objectives for sustainable development in the higher education curricula – three cases from the University of Belgrade

Bibliographic Data

ID21721348
AuthorsVioleta Orlović Lovren (0000-0002-2678-3256, University of Belgrade), Marija Maruna (0000-0001-9015-0683, University of Belgrade), Svetlana Stanarević (0000-0001-8872-1176, University of Belgrade)
Year2020
Volume21
Issue2
Pages315-335
Publication date2020-01-31
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1467-6370 • E-ISSN: 1758-6739
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/ijshe-09-2019-0260
OpenAlexW3005512187
LanguageEN
Citations received12
References cited14

Purpose This purpose of this study is to explore the integration of the sustainable development concept and goals into the curriculum of higher education studies using the example of three faculties of the University of Belgrade. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative content analysis has been applied on two levels: the evaluation of the sustainability of courses starting from the criteria defined using the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (ASHE, 2017), and the analysis of the outcomes defined in the curricula of subjects within the three faculties using the UNESCO learning objectives related to selected sustainable development goals (SDGs) as a criteria. Findings While the largest number of courses were analyzed from the Faculty of Architecture, the highest proportion of sustainability courses was found in the Faculty of Security Studies. Both study areas reflect a stronger interdisciplinary orientation, although it should be strengthened in the case of the Andragogy study program. Based on the experience of the Faculty of Architecture, the courses implemented by linking theory and practice may significantly contribute to achieving the LOs and to implementing the education for sustainable development. At the University of Belgrade, strategic documents are missing that would encourage and oblige the faculties to apply the concept of sustainability. Originality/value This is the first study to apply this type of curricula analysis at the University of Belgrade. It is performed by teachers from the university, coming from different disciplinary fields but oriented towards an interdisciplinary perspective. Although performed in three specific study areas within a single university, the identified gaps and trends may be useful for planning interventions toward accelerating the implementation of SDGs in the higher education curricula

Adult education · Andragogy · Curriculum · Curriculum development · Discipline · Education for sustainable development · Engineering ethics · Higher education · Medical education · Originality · Pedagogy · Political science · Qualitative research · Social science · Sociology · Sustainability · Sustainable development · Engineering · Higher Education and Sustainability · Medicine · Sustainability in Higher Education · Sustainable Building Design and Assessment

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