17/12/2024
ISPSC Launches Bold Initiative to Integrate UN SDGs and Global Citizenship Education into Curriculum and Student Activities
In line with its commitment to global citizenship and sustainable development, the Office of the SUC President at ISPSC, led by Dr. Christine N. Ferrer, has issued Office Memorandum No. 199, Series of 2024, on October 20, 2024. The memorandum outlines a comprehensive strategy to embed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Global Citizenship Education (GCED) into both the College’s curriculum and student activities.
This pioneering initiative underscores ISPSC’s dedication to producing graduates who are not only academically proficient but also socially and environmentally responsible citizens, ready to tackle the urgent global challenges of our time.
The memorandum provides a clear set of strategies for academic units to implement: Curriculum Mapping. Review your existing course content and identify opportunities to incorporate SDGs and GCED themes, Interdisciplinary Collaboration. Partner with colleagues from different departments to create cross-disciplinary projects that address multiple SDGs, Experiential Learning. Develop hands-on activities and learning engagements that allow students to engage directly with SDG-related issues, and Assessment Alignment. Ensure that learning outcomes and assessments reflect SDG and GCED competencies.
To further support this transformative effort, the memorandum suggests a variety of engaging activities for students: SDG Project-Based Learning. Assign students projects that address specific SDGs, encouraging them to develop innovative solutions to global challenges, Global Citizenship Workshops. Organize regular workshops focusing on different aspects of global citizenship, inviting guest speakers and experts, SDG Challenge Weeks. Dedicate specific weeks to different SDGs, with related activities, lectures, and competitions across campus, Virtual Exchange Programs. Collaborate with international partner institutions to create virtual exchange opportunities focused on SDGs and global citizenship, in coordination with the OVPREI, SDG Student Clubs. Encourage and support the formation of student-led clubs focused on specific SDGs or GCED themes, and Community Engagement Projects. Develop service-learning opportunities that allow students to work on local projects aligned with the SDGs.
The memorandum provides links to invaluable resources to assist academic staff in carrying out this initiative. These include UNESCO’s learning objectives for SDGs, online courses from the SDG Academy, and other tools designed to support educators in delivering meaningful lessons on sustainability and global citizenship.
To ensure ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing, the ISPSC community is invited to join the Facebook group, “ISPSC GCED and SDGs Platform.” This community will serve as a hub for exchanging ideas, best practices, and updates on the institution’s SDG and GCED initiatives.
Through these initiatives, ISPSC aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders who are not only aware of global challenges but are also committed to making a positive impact. The integration of SDGs and GCED into both academic and extracurricular activities reflects the College’s forward-thinking approach to education and its role in promoting sustainable development.
As champions of quality education, ISPSC holds the key to shaping future generations capable of addressing and resolving the complex challenges of our world. This initiative is a testament to ISPSC’s unwavering commitment to this mission.
For more information and updates on ISPSC’s SDG and GCED initiatives, faculty and students are encouraged to explore the provided resources and participate in the planned activities. Together, the ISPSC community can lead the way in advancing sustainable development and global citizenship.