scholarly journals The curricula revision in the context of education for sustainable development: From the perspective of two primary school subjects’ curricula

2017 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zorica Veinovic

This paper looks at the goals and objectives of education for sustainable development (ESD), including the competencies and value systems which can and should be developed in children in first cycle of primary education, and analyses the factors underlying this development. By using the Science and Social Studies teaching curriculum as an example, we pointed at the reasons for and possible directions of the curricula revision in the context of ESD. The method of theoretical analysis was applied in examining the curricula in terms of their topicality, preciseness and systematic approach as important prerequisites for a successful integration of the goals and content of ESD. The results of the research highlight the following problem areas: (1) significant, though selective representation, (2) lack of preciseness, (3) insufficient horizontal and vertical inter-connectedness of the key elements of this educational concept across all segments of the analysed curricula, as well as insufficient focus of the curricula on the development of the competencies and value systems which this concept encompasses. The paper proposes feasible steps in implementation of the ESD goals that could be taken in curricula revision, particularly in case of the World Around Us and Science and Social Studies subjects, taught in first cycle of primary education in the Republic of Serbia.

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Schank ◽  
Marco Rieckmann

In this article, the concept of education for sustainable development is substantiated and expanded upon from a socio-economic perspective. Incorporating the concept of the economic citizen, we present the liberal republican civic ethos, moral judgement, decision-making capabilities and key competencies relevant for sustainability together with an informed understanding of economic context as constitutive elements of the educational concept. Against the backdrop of the limited reach of individual behavioural changes and the necessary reflections on structural questions, a heuristic of shared responsibility for sustainable development will be devised.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 2947 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guadalupe Martínez-Borreguero ◽  
Jesús Maestre-Jiménez ◽  
Milagros Mateos-Núñez ◽  
Francisco Luis Naranjo-Correa

Education for Sustainable Development requires improving the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of students at all levels of education. However, this should start from the earliest stages of education, promoting an effective teaching/learning process of key concepts for sustainable development. Accordingly, the general objective of this research was to analyze the concepts of water, energy and waste in the primary education curriculum (6–12 years) in Spain. A qualitative research approach was followed, with an exploratory and descriptive design. A system of categories was established for each of the concepts under study, with the aim of classifying the references found, analyzing their integration into the different subjects, academic courses, curricular elements and levels of cognitive demand required of the students. The results of the lexicographical analysis of the content reveal that the regulations governing primary education in Spain mainly focus on the concept of energy and, to a lesser extent, on the concepts of water and waste. In addition, cognitive levels of knowledge and comprehension predominate based on the taxonomy used. The results suggest the need to develop initiatives for the educational framework that promote not only learning, but also attitudes and behaviors that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


Uniciencia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-30
Author(s):  
Claudia Vásquez ◽  
María José Seckel ◽  
Ángel Alsina

This paper studied the belief system of future Chilean teachers of Early Childhood Education and Primary Education regarding their competencies to incorporate Education for Sustainable Development (EDS) in the classroom, specifically, in math classes. To this end, a survey was applied to 87 Primary Education preservice teachers and 58 Early Childhood Education preservice teachers, which was analyzed from an interpretative approach. Results are not clear regarding ESD and its scope, despite being valued. In addition, there is a clear need for training in this regard and the potential of mathematical education as a tool to incorporate ESD into the school classroom. It is concluded that ESD-related competencies need to be incorporated in initial and permanent teacher training programs in a transversal way, in our case for Mathematics Education.


2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 219-245
Author(s):  
Stephanie W. Lee ◽  
Samson C.W. Ma ◽  
Ngok Lee

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine efforts made by the UNESCO Hong Kong Association (UNESCOHK) in integrating education for sustainable development (ESD) into school subjects and into the curriculum in 2009-2016. It investigates: the distribution and development of the three key components of environment, society and economy in student work, and in school assessment reports; the relevancy level of ESD learning to school subjects; the condition in Hong Kong in practicing the integration of ESD learning into the school curriculum; and the practices of integration of ESD learning into the school curriculum in Hong Kong and other countries. Design/methodology/approach Grounded theory is deployed to analyze the distribution and development of ESD as understood by students and schools, and the application of knowledge acquired through school subjects to ESD learning activities undertaken by students and schools. Findings The study succeeds in identifying the precise distribution and development of the three key components of environment, society and economy in ESD, and in establishing the level of relevancy of ESD learning activities to school subjects and to the school curriculum. UNESCOHK’s initiative is in line with the general trend adopted by countries to integrate ESD into the school curriculum. Research limitations/implications The scope of investigation is limited to ESD learning activities in eight schools and to one single economy. Social implications The study facilitates attempts to reorientate the lifestyles of students and their parents. Originality/value The study is a pioneering work in Hong Kong to integrate ESD learning into school subjects, which is in alignment with the trend to integrate ESD into the school curriculum.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 118
Author(s):  
Ronghui (Kevin) Zhou

This study discusses the current status of ESD implementation in three primary schools and examines factors that have impacted the implementation of ESD in a district of an urban Chinese cities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three primary school principals and three school teachers. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Three themes emerged that have impacted ESD implementation in this pilot study are discussed: the definition of ESD, lack of local education support, and exam pressures. The results suggested that ESD is underdeveloped in the selected context of urban China. Further investigation is required to capture the whole scope of ESD implementations in China’s primary education.  Keywords: Education for Sustainable Development; Primary Education; Case Study; Teacher and Principal; China 


Author(s):  
Tamara Vukić ◽  
Marija Jovanović ◽  
Dragan Todorović

Education for sustainable development, as an imperative of this day and age, has become an integral part of the curriculum in many education systems. The focus of this paper is education for sustainable development in Montenegro, Croatia and Serbia, with a particular emphasis on the goals and objectives of education for sustainable development. After presenting the specifics of sustainable development at the primary and secondary level of education in these countries, a comparative analysis of learning goals and objectives was conducted between the curriculum of the elective course Education for Sustainable Development in Serbia, interdisciplinary area Education for Sustainable Development in Montenegro and interdisciplinary topic Sustainable Development in Croatia. This comparative analysis established that the goals of education for sustainable development in all three cases are aimed at developing an active and responsible attitude of students towards other people, the environment, taking into account the future perspective, and that the goals and objectives of education for sustainable development in Montenegro and Croatia are more extensive and meaningful compared to the goals and objectives of the elective course Education for Sustainable Development in Serbia. Even though the goals and objectives of the new elective course, interdisciplinary topics and interdisciplinary areas specifically focused on sustainable development represent curriculum innovation in Serbia, Montenegro and Croatia, defining them is only a starting point for activities aimed at educating students to live and work in a modern society that is required to become sustainable.


2008 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 791-798 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orhan Akinoğlu

The aim in this study was to determine and assess the learning areas, skills and values underlined in the 2004 social studies curriculum reform for primary education in Turkey. The study was undertaken in a qualitative manner based on analyses of the 2004 social studies teaching curriculum for 4th–7th grades. Data were collected through document analyses of the 2004 social studies curriculum. Findings indicated that the learning areas, skills and values underlined in the curriculum for primary education reflect mainly global connections, multidimensional thinking, active learning, social rationalization, business mentality, creativity, individualism and democratic consciousness.


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