Education for Sustainable Development and Career for High School Students in Seogwipo

This study examines the effectiveness of an Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) program conducted at Pyoseon High School in Jeju, Korea. Integrating career education, the program aimed at enhancing students’ awareness of sustainable development and key competencies. Conducted with 124 first-year students during school hours, the program consisted of three phases: an introduction to sustainable development, student-led projects addressing local issues, and final presentations. A mixed-methods approach was employed to measure the effectiveness, combining pre- and post-program surveys with focus group interviews. Paired t-test analysis on survey responses showed statistically significant improvements in overall competency domains. Qualitative analysis of focus group interviews indicated a shift from passive, school-based perceptions of sustainability toward more active and individualized understandings, particularly in connecting sustainable development to diverse career pathways. In conclusion, this program demonstrates the effectiveness of bridging ESD with career education, showing that student-led learning can enhance core competencies for sustainable development. It offers a promising direction for the future advancement of ESD in Korea.