Challenges of integration of education for sustainable development in Handcrafts higher education

The purpose of present study was to analyze the current status of Handcrafts’ education in Iran’s Art universities in the context of sustainable development discourse. This idea was shaped due to the potential and actual capacity of handicrafts’ industries encountered an education model for sustainable development. The main question was how is the current status of bachelor of Handcraft education to reach an education model for sustainable development? A qualitative case study methodology was chosen for this study. The sampling method was purposeful. The data collection was done through semi-structured interviews with Handcraft education experts, which was done until the theoretical saturation was achieved. Using thematic analysis 16 pivotal themes were identified  and categorized under four comprehensive themes including specialty-based policymaking, traditional/transitional education instead of learning, absurd curriculum and hard perceptions. Findings showed that the current status of academic education of Handicraft in Iranian Art universities on the path to fulfilling their role in reaching the goal of sustainable development is critical. Therefore, improving the knowledge, attitude and skills of policymakers, planners and professors in the educational and curriculum planning process as well as the teaching and learning processes of handcrafts based on the education for sustainable development approach are essential. Results showed that although there exists common medium with sustainable development discourse, education of handcrafts in bachelor degree in order to reach the education for sustainable development need fundamental revision.