Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) as extension subject for teacher training

The extension subject “Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)” equips prospective teachers and professionals to effectively integrate sustainability into schools and classroom settings. Students gain in-depth knowledge of global and local challenges related to sustainable development and learn to apply this insight in a pedagogically reflective manner across various subjects.

The focus is on the so-called Whole School Approach: Sustainability is not merely addressed in the classroom but is understood as a guiding principle for holistic school development. The program combines academic foundations with professional practice – ranging from field trips and project work to the development of students’ own school concepts.

Contents

The extension subject in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) for elementary school or secondary schools MIttelschule or Realschule qualifies students to thoroughly plan, implement, and further develop sustainability-related educational processes. You will examine key environmental, social, and economic challenges of our time and reflect on their significance for schools and classroom settings.

During the course, students will acquire:

1. In-depth knowledge of concepts and theories of sustainable development
2. Deepened insights into the fundamentals and pedagogy of ESD
3. Skills for analyzing global and local transformation processes
4. Abilities to design sustainability-oriented lesson plans
5. Knowledge of school development in the context of a “whole-school approach”
6. Practical skills for shaping and fostering sustainability skills in pupils

A particular focus is placed on linking theory and practice: You will develop specific lesson plans and school projects and reflect on their implementation using a scientifically substantiated approach.

Interconnected studies

The degree program has an interdisciplinary focus and integrates perspectives from various academic disciplines as well as diverse research paradigms. This interdisciplinary approach enables a holistic view of complex societal issues.

Through collaborative partnerships, the program also maintains close ties with the Center for Teacher Education (ZLB). This collaboration particularly strengthens the program’s professional orientation and promotes exchange between subject-specific scholarship, subject didactics, and educational practice.

Engaged Learning

The required elective areas give students the opportunity to critically reflect on and purposefully apply the teaching and learning methods they have acquired. Particular emphasis is placed on independent and reflective thinking and responsible action.

The goal of the program is to empower students to become socially responsible educators and subject specialists in the spirit of “change agents.” They are prepared to actively help shape social change processes and to further develop educational processes in a forward-looking manner.

Personalized learning

The program promotes students’ personal development through theory-based and practice-oriented modules. Professional qualifications and personal reflection go hand in hand.

The courses provide space for students to explore their own ideas, attitudes, and perspectives on sustainability-oriented career paths in educational practice, as well as their own professional development.

An intensive mentoring relationship supports individual development. This gives students the opportunity to contribute their personal strengths, further develop them, and refine their own professional profile.

Structure

This extension subject is worth 45 ECTS credits and can typically be completed in 3 semesters as a full-time student (6 semesters as a part-time student). These credits are divided equally among the three areas of study—Foundations, Specialization, and Practice—with 15 ECTS credits allocated to each.

The program concludes with the development of a clear, individual specialization in the field of education for sustainable development and equips you to integrate sustainability into schools and classrooms in a competent, thoughtful, and effective manner.

As part of the teaching degree program, there are a variety of opportunities to integrate a study stay abroad (e.g., Erasmus+, a semester abroad, or international internships). The KU International Office is happy to support and provide advice on planning and financing.

In addition, many courses address global issues related to sustainable development and incorporate international perspectives as well as current research projects.

The practical component of this extension subject is closely linked to specific applications in both school and extracurricular settings. In addition to project-based seminars, field trips, and school-related development modules, the courses maintain a consistent focus on practical application. You will work with real-world case studies, analyze best-practice approaches to sustainable school development, and develop your own project ideas for classroom instruction and school-wide initiatives.

In the required elective area, you will independently implement a sustainability-related project and reflect on it in a scientifically sound manner. In doing so, you will benefit from existing partnerships and networks in the field of ESD.

Subject advisors

If you have any specific questions about this program, the team at the Professorship of Geography Education and Education for Sustainable Development is here to help. Please feel free to contact the subject advisors directly at: studienberatung-bne(at)ku.de

Admission requirements

• Teaching degree program at the KU (undergraduate track; admission no earlier than the 3rd semester)
• Successful completion of the second State Examination for teaching at public schools (retroactive track)