Education for sustainable development at higher education in Türkiye: The integration of sustainable development goals into the preparatory EFL classes

In recent years, various global and local challenges have emerged, becoming increasingly complex and difficult to address. The ongoing acceleration of globalization underscores the necessity of raising individual awareness about sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, education and educational policies play a pivotal role in enhancing sustainability awareness among individuals. Despite this, there remain significant gaps in Turkey's higher education programs concerning sustainability education and the SDGs. These gaps primarily arise from insufficient educational initiatives and limited integration of internationally recognized SDGs into instructional materials and classroom activities (Güngör Tanç, Ş., Tanç, Çardak & Yağlı, 2022; Bulut & Çakmak, 2018). This thesis examines the integration of Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals within foreign language education, specifically targeting English preparatory classes at Tarsus University's School of Foreign Languages. Utilizing a mixed-method research design, the study aims to holistically integrate sustainability concepts into educational materials, curricula, assessment strategies, and classroom practices. Initially, curriculum objectives and instructional materials will be critically analyzed through a structured scale to determine the current extent and nature of SDG integration. Subsequently, surveys conducted with focus groups will assess students' awareness levels concerning sustainability, their perceptions of SDG integration effectiveness, and instructional methods used by educators. To complement quantitative findings, qualitative data will be gathered through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, exploring practical implementation challenges, opportunities, and participants' viewpoints regarding sustainability education. Ultimately, the study aims to improve students' sustainability awareness and knowledge by systematically embedding SDGs into language education curricula. The findings will inform necessary revisions and enhancements in teaching methodologies and educational materials, serving as crucial steps toward fostering sustainable futures. Additionally, insights gained from an academic exchange visit to the University of Graz—renowned for its successful sustainability education practices—will further enrich the recommendations, significantly contributing to the development and enhancement of sustainability education within Turkey's higher education system.