Francis David
Learning Design Architect
Foundations of ESG — Instructional Strategy & Course Design
Project Overview
Designing the instructional strategy and course structure for a Foundations of ESG program focused on applied understanding, industry relevance, and employability.
The work defines how ESG concepts are introduced, developed, and assessed within a single course, ensuring alignment between learning outcomes, practice, and evaluation.
Designing the Instructional Strategy
The course is structured around a learner-centric, outcome-driven instructional strategy that connects ESG theory with real-world business and regulatory contexts
Content is sequenced to move learners from foundational ESG concepts to analysis, evaluation, and strategy design through case studies, simulations, and a capstone project.
Client Context
The client needs an introductory ESG course that goes beyond awareness and terminology. Learners are expected to understand ESG principles, apply recognised frameworks, analyse ESG data, and communicate insights in business contexts.
There is a need for a clear instructional strategy that defines learning outcomes, supports progression in cognitive complexity, and prepares learners for ESG-related roles across industries.
What this course design is (and isn’t)
It is an instructional strategy and course design blueprint, not a content script.
It defines learning outcomes, sequencing, and assessment intent across the course.
It integrates industry datasets, case work, and applied projects.
- It is not a compliance checklist or certification framework
Design Approach
The instructional strategy is built around explicit learning objectives spanning explanation, classification, application, analysis, and strategy design.
Modules are designed to balance conceptual grounding with experiential learning, including simulations, stakeholder mapping, ESG reporting analysis, and a final capstone project that mirrors real-world ESG decision-making.
Key Components
- Outcome-driven instructional strategy
- Structured, module-based course outline (45 hours)
- Knowledge and competency taxonomy aligned to ESG practice
- Experiential learning through simulations and case work
- Integrated assessment framework with formative and summative components
Role & Contribution
I designed the instructional strategy, course structure, learning objectives, and competency taxonomy. This included defining progression across modules, aligning assessments to outcomes, and ensuring industry relevance throughout the course.
The work focused on coherence between instructional intent, learner experience, and evaluation design.
Outcome
The instructional strategy provides a clear blueprint for delivering a Foundations of ESG course that supports applied understanding and professional readiness.
It enables instructional teams to design consistent, industry-aligned learning experiences while preparing learners to analyse, evaluate, and communicate ESG insights effectively.
Reflection
This work highlights the importance of outcome-led instructional strategy in ESG education. Clear progression, applied practice, and aligned assessment help ensure sustainability learning translates into informed decision-making rather than surface-level awareness.
Description
Personal Portfolio
Instructional strategy and course design for a Foundations of ESG program focused on applied learning and industry relevance.