Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

Sustainable Development is not determined from the top down. We can envisage it as an individual and societal search and learning process by all members of society – aimed at shaping alternative pathways. A participatory process such as this requires all actors to possess the relevant knowledge and skills. Education for Sustainable Development is thus a key component of the educational mandate set by the canton of Bern – also for the university. The ESD-UniBe Team offers workshops, advice, materials, and networking to help teaching staff implement this important task.

Photo: © Universität Bern

NEWS, INFORMATION, AND EVENTS

New publication on monitoring SD in university teaching

Since 2009, the University of Bern has pursued the integration of sustainable development (SD) into research, operations, and teaching. In the latter, it has set itself the objective of integration throughout all study programmes. In the peer-reviewed article, Anna Lewis, Lilian Trechsel and Anne Zimmermann present how monitoring this integration has been re-conceived.

UniAktuell article: "It takes courage to break new ground".

The University of Bern, the Bern University of Applied Sciences, the PHBern and the PH NMS want to jointly strengthen "Education for Sustainable Development": students should be able to understand and tackle complex problems of the present and the future. Lilian Trechsel explains what is already working well and what still needs to be done.

FNE-Stories

All students at the University of Bern should engage with sustainability in the course of their studies. The University of Bern therefore integrates sustainable development into the teaching of all faculties and disciplines and supports lecturers in designing corresponding courses. uniAKTUELL presents concrete examples in a loose series.

Out and about sustainably in Bern - new English Version

"Out and about sustainably in Bern" is a sustainable city guide for students of the University of Bern. The book invites students to consider what they need for a satisfied and good life and contains facts, ideas and tips in the areas of Sustainable Development. The latest English version is now available!

"SD & Teaching" on Instagram

The official Instagram account of the University of Bern now features a highlight tile on "SD & Teaching". It contains current stories and information on sustainability in teaching at the University of Bern.

Monitoring report on the integration of sustainable development in teaching at University of Bern

Since 2017, the University of Bern has endeavoured to record its efforts in the area of SD integration. The annual monitoring reports on the integration of sustainable development (SD) in teaching at University of Bern provide an overview of the extent to which SD is included in the study programmes and courses at the University of Bern. The monitoring report for the academic year 2022/23 is available now.

Links to Sustainable Development

The Links to Sustainable Development show points of contact between all disciplines at the University of Bern and sustainable development and support lecturers in integrating sustainability into their courses.

Online Tutorial on Sustainability

What is Sustainability and where is the link to my discipline? To elaborate these answers our online tool on ILIAS facilitates sustainability in a comprehensive and interesting way and aims at students and lecturers.

CDE Publication about digital co-creation in research and learning

The publication focuses on the opportunities and challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, including e.g. advancing knowledge related to co-creation for sustainable development.

The Bern City Map is looking for you!

Students at Bern Universities have developed a website and app that leads to sustainable stores and restaurants in Bern and the surrounding area. The project team is looking for your support! (Only German)

Just out: "Transdisciplinary Learning for Sustainable Development - Sharing Experience in Course and Curriculum Design"

In their new publication, Karl Herweg and co-authors outline a practice-oriented and forward-looking approach to education for sustainable development. Based on many years of teaching experience and a range of didactic methods, they provide tips, tools, and examples for transdisciplinary learning and teaching that will be of use to lecturers from all disciplines.

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