In response to global uncertainty exacerbated by climate change, geopolitical instability, and resource scarcity, we propose an educational approach focusing on Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship (ESDGC). This approach utilizes flexible, nature-centric, justice-oriented, arts-based pedagogies enhanced by digital technologies, emphasizing cross-cultural dialogue. We aimed to assess the impact of these methods on students' development as global citizens and examine how teachers can innovate these pedagogies within their curricula. We adopted a theoretical framework combining Transformative Learning Theory and dialogic pedagogy. Transformative learning involves fundamental shifts in beliefs and behaviours through reflective experiences, while dialogic pedagogy emphasizes learning through dialogue, encountering diverse perspectives, and critical self-examination. Teachers and students from three schools in the Maldives and four in England participated. Teachers collaboratively developed learning activities focused on the environment and future. Students engaged in cross-cultural dialogue, discussing their learning and creating artwork reflecting their aspirations and environmental concerns. These activities generated the key data sources for this research which include classroom observations, interviews, and student work. Findings showed that ESDGC taught through arts-based approaches, enhances students' development as global citizens. Cross-cultural dialogue helped students appreciate others' contexts, understand their local environments' uniqueness, and develop empathy and environmental activism. Teachers gained confidence in curriculum innovation, valuing collaborative pedagogies and less powerful knowledge forms. The study highlights ESDGC's potential to foster collective responsibility and agency. Further these pedagogies we have explored have the potential to transform education by shaping learning experiences that cater to both individual learner-needs and global challenges.

Authors:
Aminath Shiyama, The Maldives National University, Maldives
Fathimath Shafeeqa, IRD, Maldives
Claire Lee, Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom
Fathimath Nasiha Abdul Muhaimin, The Maldives National University, Maldives

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Aminath Shiyama is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at The Maldives National University in Maldives

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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