What it is
A set of practical tools to support VET trainers in embedding sustainability competences into their teaching, including a step-by-step guide to using AI effectively to generate educational content on sustainable development.
The toolkit was produced by Sineglossa following focus group research with VET teachers across different fields and countries. It translates the EDUS Competence Framework into hands-on resources that teachers can use directly in their classrooms without needing to start from scratch.
How it is made
The toolkit includes three tools:
Tool 1 – Co-design of a Lesson
It guides teachers through a structured, co-creative process for designing learning experiences together with students.
Rooted in problem-based learning and co-creative methodologies, it supports inclusive, horizontal dialogue between learners and educators, a structured yet adaptable learning process, broader perspectives through the involvement of external actors (businesses, NGOs, experts, community members), learner initiative and shared leadership, contributing to a more equitable and engaging educational experience.
The process unfolds across three phases and can be adapted to any VET sector or subject area.
- Framing: the phase which focuses on setting the stage. Students identify the key theme or challenge, assess their prior knowledge, and begin preliminary research;
- Developing: the phase for structuring the co-design plan, where students collaborate to plan, implement, and iterate their learning journey;
- Debriefing: the final phase, which emphasizes reflection, assessment, and connection to real life application.
Tool 2 – Mixing the Ingredients
It is a step-by-step guide to using AI effectively to generate educational content on sustainable development. Developed by Sineglossa, it frames prompt construction as a recipe: the more precisely teachers define their learning objective, educational context, content focus, and preferred methodology, the more relevant and usable the AI output. The tool includes guidance on how to verify, iterate, and adapt AI-generated results, as well as practical tips for using a sustainable use of AI.
Tool 3 – Self-Assessment Grids
They provide structured grids for students and teachers to self-evaluate competences across the three sustainability dimensions of Planet, People, and Prosperity, at Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. It is designed to be used before and after an educational experience, and can be adapted to different course contexts.
Who it is for
- VET trainers and educators who want to design meaningful learning experiences around sustainability – particularly those who may not yet feel equipped to teach these topics, or who are looking for concrete, adaptable methods to bring them into their curricula.
Beyond individual classroom use, the toolkit is also intended for:
- institutional leaders and staff development teams looking to embed sustainability competences into internal quality assurance and school-wide practices
- VET institutions building partnerships with local actors, businesses, and community stakeholders
- educators interested in contributing to a European community of practice, by sharing their adaptations and results on the EDUS platform and participating in co-creation events to further refine the methodology
The toolkit is designed to be flexible: each tool can be used independently or as part of a broader teaching cycle, and all three are adaptable to the specific needs, resources, and contexts of different VET sectors and institutions.
Credits
The EDUS Training Toolkit is one of the outputs of the EDUS project, co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme.
Partners: Aalborg University (Denmark), IC Geoss (Slovenia), Fundación Cibervoluntarios (Spain), Einurð (Iceland), Sineglossa (Italy).
The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
