STEAM+H Education for Global Citizenship: Curricular Transformation Using Active Methodologies in Colombia

Abstract

This design case describes the curricular transformation process undertaken by San José de Las Vegas school, a K4-11 school in Medellin, Colombia, committed to educating students as conscientious global citizens. The case outlines the school’s multifaceted design choices, including the sequential steps and activities to develop and implement a pedagogical strategy that integrates diverse content areas. The final design, denominated STEAM+H, promotes holistic student development by cultivating personal, local, and global identities while instilling a deep sense of social responsibility. Central to this design is the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as a thematic framework to connect subjects and engage students in solving local and global challenges. Additionally, we highlight how Design Thinking was used as a methodology to facilitate interdisciplinary learning, influencing the resulting STEAM+H activities and learning spaces. This transformation is presented in three phases, from local to global comprehension, emphasizing the roles and involvement of different stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Finally, we discuss the challenges and successes encountered and share our reflections and insights gained from this transformative journey.

The design team focused on incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as the central theme to connect different subjects or disciplines and engage students in solving local and global issues. Additionally, the team employed active methodologies such as Design Thinking and Design for Change to connect the different disciplines. We outline this process in three phases, progressing from local to global understanding and highlighting various stakeholders' roles and crucial involvement, including students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Finally, we share our reflections and insights gained from this transformative journey.