The role of research competences in acquiring competences for sustainable development. An integrated view to support and strengthen the transition towards education for sustainable development

摘要

Within the field of integrating sustainable development in higher education, particular attention is given to the definition of key competences for sustainable development, and the implications their integration imposes towards higher education. The acquisition of key competences should be enabled in student-centered, participatory and active learning methods. Often, research-based methods are mentioned to contribute to this process as well, though from a general perspective, or from the sidelines of the learning process. This paper explores the specific link between competences for sustainable development and research competences. It looks at the current debate on research competences and the way they are defined, interpreted and integrated within a Belgian higher education institution. The paper discusses the current problems of the competence concept, and the possible contribution of research competences and research-based education to acquiring competences for sustainable development. It concludes with specific recommendations to further strengthen the integration of competences for sustainable development.