Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:
The Master of Education Program in Curriculum and Instruction is fundamentally dedicated to advancing the science and practice of teaching and learning, making it a cornerstone for achieving SDG 4 (Quality Education). The program's core mission is to produce academic leaders and researchers who can design, implement, and evaluate effective educational programs at all levels. By focusing on creating innovative pedagogical approaches and educational technologies, the curriculum is a key driver for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) within the education sector. Through its emphasis on interdisciplinary research and international academic standards, the program fosters the global knowledge-sharing and collaboration essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Furthermore, by equipping educators to address diverse learning needs through multicultural and local curriculum development, the program directly supports SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting more equitable, inclusive, and culturally relevant educational systems.
Best Practices
The Master of Education Program in Curriculum and Instruction, Khon Kaen University, has demonstrated excellence in producing experts in curriculum development and learning management who meet the strategic challenges of a rapidly changing society by focusing on integrating the curriculum toward sustainable development and future competencies.
The program systematically integrated advanced knowledge and curriculum analysis skills through key subjects, such as ED 437 610 Psychology of Learning in Health Education, Physical Education, and Sports. This enables students to diagnose gaps in the curriculum and learning processes in educational institutions and develop supplementary curricula or teaching models that emphasize Active Learning and the creation of educational innovation appropriate to the local social and cultural context.
The empirical results from piloting the developed curricula and teaching models in network schools created a significant positive change in elevating the quality and efficiency of teaching and learning management.
The broad, sustainable impact is the creation of a foundation for education that is resilient and adaptable to change, which is a key mechanism in driving sustainable development at the grassroots level. This operation thus strategically aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals clearly: SDG 4 (Quality Education) by ensuring access to quality and equitable curriculum and instruction; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through designing curricula that promote knowledge and awareness of sustainable urban and community development; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), which reflects the successful creation of strategic partnerships with educational institutions and communities in developing the curriculum system.
SDG 4: Quality EducationAlignment Summary: This program is the embodiment of quality education, designed to produce expert educators and researchers who can lead and transform educational systems. The curriculum provides a deep theoretical and practical foundation in designing, implementing, and evaluating effective and inclusive learning experiences, directly contributing to lifelong learning opportunities for all.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 517 701 | Advanced Theories of Curriculum and Instruction | Provides a deep theoretical foundation for designing high-quality educational programs, directly contributing to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education (Target 4.3). |
| ED 517 721 | Instructional Design | Directly enhances the quality of education by focusing on the systematic design of effective learning experiences and materials, which is crucial for achieving quality learning outcomes (Target 4.1). |
| ED 517 731 | Educational Technology and Innovation | Promotes equal access to all levels of education and vocational training by exploring the use of technology to create more accessible and flexible learning environments (Target 4.3). |
| ED 517 898 / 899 | Thesis / Independent Study | Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3), where students conduct original research to advance the field of education, thereby acquiring superior skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4). |
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureAlignment Summary: The program drives innovation within the education sector by training experts to research, develop, and implement new educational technologies and pedagogical models. This enhances the scientific and technological capacity of educational institutions, fostering a more innovative and effective learning infrastructure.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 517 702 | Research and Development of Innovations in Curriculum and Instruction | Directly enhances scientific research and innovation (Target 9.5) by training experts to develop and validate new, effective teaching methods and educational technologies. |
| ED 517 731 | Educational Technology and Innovation | Fosters innovation in the education sector (Target 9.5) by exploring the design and application of digital technologies to create more effective and accessible learning environments. |
SDG 10: Reduced InequalitiesAlignment Summary: The program contributes to reducing inequalities by promoting inclusive and multicultural education. Graduates are prepared to design curricula and teaching strategies that respect diversity, address the needs of various learners, and provide equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their cultural or social background.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 517 741 | Multicultural Education | Directly aligns with Target 10.2 and 10.3 by promoting the social and cultural inclusion of all learners. It equips educators to create equitable learning environments that empower students from diverse backgrounds. |
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesAlignment Summary: This curriculum contributes to building inclusive and sustainable communities by focusing on the development of locally relevant education. By training experts in local curriculum development, the program helps to preserve and promote local culture and heritage, strengthening community identity and resilience.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 517 711 | Local Curriculum Development | Supports efforts to safeguard and promote local culture and heritage (Target 11.4) by training educators to design curricula that are rooted in the community's unique context, knowledge, and traditions. |
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong InstitutionsAlignment Summary: The program helps build strong and effective educational institutions by training leaders in curriculum evaluation. Graduates are equipped with the skills to assess the effectiveness and quality of educational programs, leading to more accountable, transparent, and responsive institutions that better serve their communities.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 517 712 | Curriculum Evaluation | Directly supports the development of effective, accountable and transparent institutions (Target 16.6) by teaching rigorous methods for evaluating the effectiveness and quality of educational programs and systems. |
SDG 17: Partnerships for the GoalsAlignment Summary: The program's international focus and research-intensive nature foster partnerships for sustainable development. Through seminars and research, students engage with the global academic community, promoting the knowledge-sharing and collaborations needed to achieve global educational goals.
| Course Code | Course Title | Alignment Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| ED 517 703 | Seminar in Curriculum and Instruction | Promotes the global partnership for sustainable development (Target 17.6) by requiring students to engage with and present on international research, fostering a culture of global knowledge-sharing and collaboration. |
| ED 517 898 / 899 | Thesis / Independent Study | Represents a significant contribution to global partnerships (Target 17.16) by creating new, publishable knowledge that is shared internationally to help solve critical educational challenges. |