Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Education Program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (International Program)

SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Education Program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (International Program)

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Bachelor of Education in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is profoundly and holistically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals by cultivating a new generation of globally-competent educators. The curriculum's philosophy, emphasizing intercultural understanding, innovative pedagogy, and a commitment to inclusive education, 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) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by breaking down communication barriers and empowering individuals through language. 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) and is built upon a foundation of extensive international 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 English 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
ED292101	Introduction to Language Teaching and Learning	Forms the foundation of quality education by instilling the core principles of language pedagogy, directly contributing to the supply of qualified teachers (Target 4.C).
ED292301	Second Language Acquisition	Is fundamental to quality education, as it teaches the scientific principles of how languages are learned, enabling the design of effective and inclusive teaching methods (Target 4.1).
ED293501	Curriculum and Materials Development in English Language Teaching	Ensures quality by training teachers to design and develop effective, relevant, and culturally appropriate curricula for diverse learners (Target 4.1).
ED294701	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 5: Gender Equality

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Alignment Summary: The program contributes to gender equality by training teachers to create inclusive classrooms that challenge gender stereotypes in language use. Furthermore, access to English language education is a powerful tool for the economic and social empowerment of women and girls worldwide.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
ED293202	Cross-Cultural Communication	Supports gender equality by providing an understanding of diverse cultural perspectives, which can be used to challenge gender stereotypes and promote equal and respectful communication in the classroom (Target 5.1).

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 provides entrepreneurial skills for the education sector, creating new opportunities for economic growth and high-value employment.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
ED294602	English for Educational Entrepreneurship	Directly encourages entrepreneurship and the creation of micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises in the education sector, which are vital for job creation and economic growth (Target 8.3).
ED103413	Laws Related to Teachers and 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 English language, a key enabler of global 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
ED293202	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).
ED103311	Education for Learners with Special Educational Needs	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 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 institutions.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
ED293202	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).
ED243206	Politics, Government and Citizenship Duties	Promotes peaceful and inclusive societies by teaching the principles of democracy and responsible global citizenship (Target 16.7).

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: As an international program, it 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 potentially internationally, all working together to build capacity and achieve quality education for all.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
ED294701	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).
ED294702	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).