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International education experts strengthen sustainability at universities
Professor Dr. William J. McConnell as International Teaching Fellow at PH Heidelberg: Focus on sustainable education.
International education experts strengthen sustainability at universities
In the summer semester of 2025, the Heidelberg University of Education (PHHD) will once again be the venue for international collaboration. Professor Dr. William J. McConnell was welcomed as the eighth International Teaching Fellow at PHHD. The award-winning scientist from Virginia Wesleyan University (VWU) in the USA spends a few weeks at the university, where he is actively involved in teaching, research and promoting young scientists.
One of the key events that McConnell is offering as part of his stay is an English-language seminar on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). This seminar reflects the increased importance of ESD, which is anchored in both the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UNESCO recommendation of November 20, 2023. ESD is seen as a key factor for a successful sustainability transformation, as it imparts sustainability knowledge and promotes responsible decisions.
Interactive teaching and research impulses
During his stay, McConnell also gave lectures on the history of history education in the United States and how teachers there deal with controversial topics. He also investigated the possibility of reducing the heat island effect. In addition to teaching, he offers targeted feedback on the qualification of the PHHD's young scientists, which contributes to the quality and professionalization of ESD at the university.
The collaboration between the PHHD and the VWU has a long tradition, which is evident, among other things, in the ProMobilGS project, which promotes international mobility in primary school teaching. This project provides structured mobility windows for students whose academic achievements are recognized abroad. In the coming academic year 2025/2026, students will also study on exchange between Heidelberg and Virginia Beach.
Education for Sustainable Development: A Common Goal
The Education for Sustainable Development (BNE) Commission of the German Society for Educational Science (DGfE) pursues similar goals. Its focus is on the exchange of research in the field of ESD, and it serves as a network for the further development of theories and concepts. The commission's work includes the theoretical foundation and conceptual clarification of ESD, as well as its implementation and institutionalization in the education system.
The topics surrounding ESD are complex. These include skills development, the role of gender mainstreaming, and the need for lifelong learning. ESD includes special attention to the skills of teachers and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to global challenges.
In this context, McConnell is planning a format for a dialogue between German and international students about global issues. The intention is to produce a scientific publication that records the results of these discussions and promotes exchange. The University Rectors' Conference (HRK) supports these developments through its commitment to anchoring ESD in the university landscape and participates in initiatives to ensure sound, sustainable educational approaches.
Such initiatives make it clear that ESD is not just an academic concept, but also imparts practical action and design skills in an increasingly complex world.