Saouma BouJaoude is a Professor of Science Education, and Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at the American University of Beirut. His research focuses on student learning in science, curriculum and teacher development. He has published in regional and international journals, and co-edited a book on Science Education in the Arab States.

According to UNESCO, “Education for Sustainable Development allows every human being to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to shape a sustainable future.” It requires that key sustainable development issues be incorporated in teaching and learning at all educational levels. Along with incorporating key concepts in the teaching and learning process, it requires that participatory, student centered teaching and learning methods that encourage students to be engaged in dialogue, discussion and debate, develop questions, test ideas, and propose evidence-based solutions to environmental problems, as well as other socio-scientific issues such as global warning and the use of genetically-modified foods. The focus of this presentation is on preparing students to take evidence-based decisions regarding environmental issues. To accomplish this, students have to understand that science, technology, society, and environment interact to produce positive and negative effects on the lives of humans and other organisms on planet Earth.