Session 68: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – pedagogy in practice

Abstract

Learners from a socially deprived background are underrepresented in Higher Education (Gorard, 2010), experiencing multiple barriers, including low self-esteem and self-efficacy (Simon et al, 2020). Initiatives from the Royal Society of Chemistry (Chemistry for All, 2020) and Uni Connect (Office for Students, 2022) are exploring strategies to diminish these barriers. The Absolute Chemistry Research Group (ACRG) at LJMU, have an aligned ethos and commitment to LJMU’s Strategic Vision, especially in relation to ‘Place and Partnership’, through catalysing ‘social inclusion and change’ within local school communities. The Liverpool City Region is highly deprived, with Liverpool being ranked the 4th most deprived in England. In 2022, 28.9% of children in Liverpool were living in relative poverty – compared to a rate of 20.1% at a national level (Liverpool City Council, 2023).

A cross-university team with expertise in Chemistry, Education and Outreach, have developed pedagogically rich resources, framed by the context of the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (UNSDGs), to promote community cohesion and core values for inclusive education. A group of Level 5 Undergraduate students training to be primary school teachers, will deliver enrichment sessions within local partnership schools. The resource packs were developed by support from a Teaching Excellence Award. They have been designed by the ACRG and a Postgraduate Researcher to support primary level teachers, who often have low self-efficacy and subject knowledge to teach a contextual science curriculum.

We will reflect upon the enriched understanding of the UNSDGs from Undergraduate students and local communities, drawing upon the overall implementation through the context of research, education, and leadership. The experience of contextualised science, will improve learner awareness of where studying science can lead, contributing to positive social change for underrepresented learners. A science education is crucial to face society’s social, economic, and environmental challenges, guiding global efforts toward sustainable development.

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – pedagogy in practice PowerPoint.  Only LJMU staff and students have access to this resource.