Abstract:

This mixed-methods study examines the integration of Education for Sustainability within a foundational mathematics course through the use of sustainability-focused real-world applications supported by the Data-Enabled Flipped Learning (DEFL) framework and case-based learning. In this approach, mathematical concepts are contextualised through sustainability challenges drawn from engineering and life science contexts, allowing students to explore how mathematics can be applied to analyse and address real-world sustainability issues. DEFL extends the flipped learning approach by using learning analytics generated from students’ engagement with pre-class materials and formative assessment quizzes to provide lecturers with actionable insights, enabling them to tailor in-class instruction to address learning gaps.

Pre-class quiz results were used to group students for in-class activities. These activities incorporated case studies grounded in sustainability-related engineering and life science scenarios, enabling students to apply mathematical concepts to authentic sustainability problems. Data triangulation was employed through quantitative student and lecturer exit polls, qualitative focus group discussions with students and lecturers, and analysis of students’ academic performance.

The results show that students reported higher levels of engagement, improved conceptual understanding, and greater awareness of the relevance of mathematics to sustainability-related challenges. While no statistically significant differences were observed in academic performance, qualitative feedback suggests that the DEFL-supported approach strengthened students’ confidence, collaborative learning, and appreciation of mathematics as a tool for understanding real-world sustainability issues.

The findings suggest that embedding sustainability-focused applications within mathematics can support meaningful connections between disciplinary knowledge and global sustainability challenges. This study offers practical insights for educators seeking scalable approaches to integrate Education for Sustainability and active learning within mathematics and related STEM disciplines.

Keywords:

Education for Sustainability, Data-enabled flipped learning, Case-based learning, Foundation Mathematics, Learning analytics.