A Project-Based Learning Approach For Engaging Undergraduate Students In UN SDGs Using GIS

Abstract

The paper presents project-based learning conducted within a Geographic Information System (GIS) course offered to senior-level undergraduate students enrolled in civil engineering program during the academic semester of Spring 2022. Project-based learning enable students to achieve competencies that meet modern society needs in relation to monitoring and assessing world countries attainment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) established the United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN GGIM) in July 2011, where the UN GGI mandates were identified as a motivation for conducting project-based learning with the GIS course by the author. Emphasis in project-based learning were on; SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities and SDG 13 on Climate Action. A Model of United Nations (MUN) students’ group at the university provided a simulated UN General Assembly at the end of the project-based learning activities. During this Assembly, students enrolled in the GIS course, playing roles of country delegates, delivered to the Assembly their GIS analyses and findings on the current status of SDG 11 and SDG 13 at the end of the project-based learning. The success of the project-based learning in achieving its objectives, along with engagement and interest shown from both GIS enrolled students and MUN group have resulted in plans to conduct another project-based learning during Spring 2023.