Directions: Read through this template to learn more about the SDGs, to assess your use of them in your teaching, and to set goals for further integration of the SDGs.
<aside> 💡 The 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) are an outline for creating a sustainable world across 17 different domains.
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Directions: Using this template, rate yourself on your current inclusion of each SDG.
RATE YOURSELF: 1) Absent OR 2) Emerging OR 3) Comprehensive
Details: You can use this template for one particular course at a time, or think about your teaching in general across multiple courses. The choice is yours. Each SDG is hyperlinked to the SDG website where you’ll find more information on that specific goal. In the HOW section, you can leave this blank or enter in specific details about how you are currently meeting that SDG (e.g., through readings, assignments, etc.). Finally, remember, this isn’t a contest to meet the most SDGs, it’s about establishing a baseline for YOUR teaching to help you celebrate what you’re doing and set small goals for progress. Remember, we can only ever start from where we are.
<aside> 📌 Self-reflection: What did you learn by assessing your current use of the SDGs in your teaching? Which SDG feels like your biggest strength? Which are you most curious to learn more about? Is there an SDG that is pulling you strongly toward it? RESPOND HERE:
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Now that you’ve noticed and celebrated where you are, it’s time to consider where you would like to go. Building upon the self-assessment you just completed, choose one or more SDGs that you’d like to more deeply integrate into your teaching and courses. I’ll be listing all of the 17 SDGs in the chart below, but I strongly encourage you to choose only 1-3 SDGs to develop goals.
I know many folks are big fans of SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound). If that works for you, use it. If not, feel free to create slightly more abstract goals.
I’d also like to remind you of two tenets of emergent strategy: 1) Small is all. 2) Critical connections > Critical mass. What is the smallest thing you can do to make progress toward integrating this SDG into your courses? What is one critical connection you can build to support that work?
| SDGs | Place an X in your 1-3 SDGs of interest. | How will you bring this SDG into your teaching more explicitly? Describe your goals. |
|---|---|---|
| No Poverty | ||
| Zero Hunger | ||
| Good Health & Well-Being | ||
| Quality Education | ||
| Gender Equality | ||
| Clean Water & Sanitation | ||
| Affordable & Clean Energy | ||
| Decent Work & Economic Growth | ||
| Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | ||
| Reduced Inequalities | ||
| Sustainable Cities and Communities | ||
| Responsible Consumption & Production | ||
| Climate Action | ||
| Life Below Water | ||
| Life on Land | ||
| Peace, Justice, & Strong Institutions | ||
| Partnerships for the Goals |
<aside> 📌 WRITE: How do you feel about your goals? What resources do you already have to meet these goals? Be specific and name them. What support do you need to meet these goals? Again, be specific and name them. RESPOND HERE:
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The IDGs, or Inner Development Goals, were developed after the SDGs with a recognition that there are certain inner states of being and skills/habits that need to be developed in order for us to most effectively work toward the SDGs. Some view the IDGs as a precursor to the SDGs. Many view them as simply complementary, and I’m of that mindset. I encourage you to work with both the IDGs and SDGs in the way that feels most accessible and generative to you. Check out the complementary IDG template to continue this work.
Thank you for taking the time to consider the SDGs. May it be of benefit. For more information on my Climate Action Pedagogy work, visit www.climateactionpedagogy.com.