York University, Canada

Toolkit for the Interdisciplinary Infusion of the SDGs into Classrooms

The York University SDGs-in-the-Classroom Interdisciplinary Toolkit is a comprehensive online resource designed to support faculty in incorporating Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their teaching practices. The toolkit offers a dynamic array of cross-disciplinary materials, including case studies, lesson plans, research, videos, and podcasts. Moreover, it emphasizes experiential education and wellness-centric pedagogy, aligning with the holistic development of students and the promotion of a sustainable future.

The SDGs-in-the-Classroom Curricular Innovation Hub at York University aims to foster and enable the pan-university interdisciplinary infusion of the United Nations 17 SDGs into classrooms at York University. Using the SDGs as one additional framework(s) for the student learning experience strengthens the applicability of students’ education, links purpose with impact, and encourages a global perspective on topics that concern them.

The project proposes to engage faculty, build capacity and create an infrastructure of support for faculty who wish to find innovative ways to include the SDGs in meaningful manners in their classrooms. The SDGs-in-the-Classroom Curricular Innovation Hub is funded through a $300,000 Academic Innovation Fund from 2022-2025.

Top 3 Learnings

1. Global perspective: Our toolkit leads educators to expand students' global perspectives by linking local matters to worldwide concerns, nurturing a sense of global citizenship.
2. Career readiness: Our toolkit exposes students to the SDGs which inspires students to pursue careers in fields related to sustainability, international development, or social entrepreneurship.
3. Promoting sustainability: Our toolkit integrates the SDGs into education enabling educators to cultivate the next generation to be more conscious of environmental issues and sustainability practices.