In April 2024, KMOP, with the support of the Institute of Educational Policy (IEP), organised two Co-Design Workshops in Greece as part of the AELIA Project. The workshops brought together 23 educational stakeholders to collaboratively shape the structure and content of the project’s upcoming MOOC on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
The first workshop was held face-to-face at KMOP’s premises in Athens on 4 April 2024, while the second took place online on 10 April 2024. Participants included teachers and school directors from pre-school, primary and secondary education, educators from minority, vocational and special education schools, as well as ESD experts and public-sector counsellors from diverse disciplines such as physical education, theatre, literature, biology and theology.
The diversity of experience enriched the discussion. Some participants were new to ESD, while others had several years of expertise. This mix of perspectives ensured a constructive dialogue grounded in both theory and classroom practice.
A holistic approach to sustainability in education
A key message emerged from both workshops: Education for Sustainable Development should not be treated as a separate subject. Instead, it should permeate the entire curriculum and school culture. Participants stressed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among teachers and stronger links between schools and the wider community, including municipalities, families and cultural institutions.
ESD was described not simply as environmental education, but as a broader mindset that connects social, cultural, economic and environmental dimensions. It should promote democratic values, active participation and responsible citizenship, empowering both educators and students to act as agents of change.
Designing a flexible and practical MOOC
Participants supported the development of an asynchronous MOOC, recognising the limited time and demanding schedules of educators. A total duration of approximately 10–15 hours was considered appropriate, organised into short and flexible modules. At the same time, the inclusion of one or two live sessions was recommended to foster interaction and exchange among participants from different countries.
The workshops also highlighted the importance of practical orientation. The MOOC should provide clear guidance on how schools can begin their transition towards sustainability, drawing on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Participants encouraged the inclusion of real-life case studies, promising practices and adaptable lesson plans that educators can directly apply in their classrooms.
Innovative digital tools, including AI-based applications, were seen as valuable resources for increasing engagement. The idea of a discussion forum was also strongly supported, allowing educators to share experiences, ask questions and exchange good practices. Finally, participants underlined the importance of offering a certificate of completion as recognition of professional development.
Empowering students through participatory learning
In terms of pedagogical approaches, the workshops emphasised experiential and participatory learning. Project-based learning, debates, teamwork and exploratory activities were seen as essential methods for connecting theory with real-life challenges. Participants stressed that students should take an active role in identifying sustainability issues in their local context and proposing solutions — embracing the principle of “think locally, act globally”.
Looking ahead
The valuable insights gathered during the Greek workshops will directly inform the design of the AELIA MOOC. The strong engagement of participants reflects a growing commitment within the education community to integrate sustainability as a core educational priority.
We sincerely thank all participants for their active contribution and look forward to the next steps of the AELIA Project journey towards more sustainable and inclusive education systems.