The topic of sustainability is multi-disciplinary, includes varied perspectives and concerns, and creates values tensions around important issues that affect our world daily. Integrating sustainability pedagogy in higher ed classrooms and coursework presents exciting opportunities to promote collaborative and transdisciplinary learning. In partnership with the Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning, the Sustainability Institute will pilot a new teaching endorsement entitled Foundations of Sustainability Pedagogy in Spring 2026.
Ohio State instructors who wish to enhance student learning and engagement through sustainability pedagogy are invited to participate in this pilot. Over the semester, participants will engage in an intensive, multi-part, asynchronous CarmenCanvas course and workshop series, while also receiving hands-on guidance from experts. The focus of the program is the design and implementation of sustainability learning opportunities within their courses. Regular reflection, feedback, and peer interaction will be integral to this process, allowing instructors to refine their approaches, learn from one another, and enhance their teaching practices.
By the end of the Foundations of Sustainability Pedagogy endorsement pilot, each participant will create a card explaining a newly designed project, assessment, or activity. These artifacts will showcase examples of sustainability pedagogy integration in Ohio State courses, offering insights and best practices to support broader student engagement and learning.