Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Education Program in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language

SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Education Program in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Bachelor of Education Program in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language is profoundly and holistically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals by cultivating globally-competent educators who can build bridges of communication and cultural understanding. The curriculum's philosophy, emphasizing pedagogical excellence, intercultural competence, and innovation, makes it a powerful engine for achieving the SDGs. The program is the very embodiment of SDG 4 (Quality Education), with its entire focus on training qualified teachers to provide inclusive and equitable language education. This mission directly addresses SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by breaking down communication barriers and fostering mutual respect among diverse cultures. Furthermore, by equipping graduates for a vital global profession, the program supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Its focus on cross-cultural communication is fundamental to building peaceful and inclusive societies (SDG 16), promoting cultural heritage (SDG 11), and is built upon a foundation of extensive partnerships, embodying the spirit of SDG 17.

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: This program is the essence of SDG 4. Its entire curriculum is designed to produce highly qualified teachers of Chinese for speakers of other languages. Every course, from pedagogy and curriculum design to language acquisition theories and extensive practicums, is focused on ensuring that all learners have access to high-quality language education, a critical skill for global citizenship and sustainable development.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
ED311001	Education and Teachership	Forms the foundation of quality education by instilling the core principles and philosophy of the teaching profession, directly contributing to the supply of qualified teachers (Target 4.C).
ED312001	Curriculum and Learning Management	Is fundamental to quality education, as it teaches the principles of designing effective, relevant, and inclusive curricula for all language learners (Target 4.1).
ED314013	Instructional Media and Innovation in Chinese Language	Ensures quality education by training teachers to use modern technology and innovative materials to create effective and engaging learning experiences (Target 4.4).
ED314011	Practicum in School 1	Directly contributes to increasing the supply of qualified teachers through extensive, supervised practical training in real school environments (Target 4.C).

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Alignment Summary: The program is a direct driver of decent work by preparing graduates for the teaching profession, a cornerstone of any society. Furthermore, it equips students with high-demand language skills that are valuable in business, tourism, and international relations, contributing to economic growth and creating high-value employment opportunities.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
ED313014	Chinese for Business Communication	Directly supports decent work and economic growth by equipping students with the specific language skills required for international trade and commerce (Target 8.2).
ED314012	Laws and Ethics for the Teaching Profession	Promotes decent work by ensuring that future teachers understand their labor rights and professional responsibilities, contributing to a safe and secure working environment (Target 8.8).

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

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Alignment Summary: This program is a powerful tool for reducing inequalities by providing access to the Chinese language, a key enabler of global and regional communication and economic opportunity. It places a strong emphasis on cross-cultural understanding, training teachers to empower and promote the social and academic inclusion of all learners, regardless of their linguistic or cultural background.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
ED312007	Cross-cultural Communication	Directly aims to reduce inequality by fostering an understanding and respect for cultural diversity, promoting the social inclusion of all (Target 10.2).
ED313013	Learning Management Process in Chinese Language	Contributes to reducing inequality by teaching how to adapt language instruction to empower and include learners with diverse needs, ensuring equal opportunity (Target 10.3).

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to sustainable communities by fostering an appreciation for Chinese culture and arts. By training teachers who can share this cultural knowledge, the program helps to safeguard and promote intangible cultural heritage, which strengthens community identity and fosters intercultural understanding.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
ED312004	Chinese Art and Culture for Teachers	Directly contributes to safeguarding and strengthening efforts to protect the world’s cultural heritage by equipping teachers to educate others about Chinese art and cultural traditions (Target 11.4).

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

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Alignment Summary: The program is essential for building peaceful and inclusive societies by fostering intercultural communication and understanding. The ability to communicate across cultures, a core tenet of the curriculum, is fundamental to promoting peace, justice, and strong global and local institutions.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
ED312007	Cross-cultural Communication	Promotes peaceful and inclusive societies by teaching the skills for effective and respectful dialogue between people from different cultures, which is essential for building mutual understanding and peace (Target 16.7).
ED103413	Laws Related to Teachers and the Teaching Profession	Promotes the rule of law by ensuring teachers understand the legal framework that governs their profession and the education system, contributing to strong and just institutions (Target 16.3).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program is built on a foundation of partnerships. The extensive school-based practicums represent a deep and sustained collaboration between the university and the education system, both locally and internationally, all working together to build capacity and achieve quality education for all.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
ED314011	Practicum in School 1	Represents an effective public-public partnership, building collaborative experience between the university and local schools to strengthen the education system (Target 17.17).
ED314012	Practicum in School 2	Enhances the partnership for sustainable development by deploying student teachers into communities, which builds domestic capacity in education (Target 17.9).