CRAFTS: Co-Designing Reflective Approaches for the Teaching of Sustainability

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) provides a viable framework for integrating sustainability into higher education curriculum design. This article proposes the CRAFTS (Co-Designing Reflective Approaches for the Teaching of Sustainability) methodology, leveraging Design Thinking principles to seamlessly incorporate ESD into curricula. The stages of CRAFTS—Co-Design, Theoretical Alignment, Learning Design, Curriculum Planning, Curriculum Testing and Empathize Further—offer a structured yet flexible approach to curriculum development through stakeholder collaboration, alignment with ESD theory and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the use of transformative pedagogy and active learning strategies, consolidated into actionable curriculum plans and supported by continuous evaluation and iterative improvement. This methodology not only prepares students to address complex sustainability issues but also ensures higher education institutions fulfil their ethical and moral responsibilities. By embedding ESD principles authentically and dynamically, CRAFTS can cultivate future-ready graduates who are passionate advocates for a sustainable world.