20.10.2024

FUTE blog series: Join the conversation on embracing education for sustainable development in teacher training

by Shemunyenge Taleiko

Embracing Sustainable Education in Teacher Training – A Pathway to a Better Sustainable Future

In an era where sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity, educators play a crucial role in shaping tomorrow’s leaders, thinkers, and change-makers. As educators, we are uniquely positioned to foster a culture of sustainability in our classrooms, modelling the values and skills that are essential for our shared future. But how do we embed these ideals into teacher education effectively? Let’s explore how Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is evolving in teacher training, shaping educators who inspire sustainable actions both inside and outside the classroom.

Incorporating ESD into Teacher Training: Practical Approaches

Incorporating ESD into teacher education involves both curriculum changes and shifts in pedagogical practices. Here are some ways to include ESD principles in teacher training programs:

Cross-Disciplinary Learning: (PBL)

Encourage pre-service teachers to engage in projects that focus on local sustainability issues. This could include backyard gardens, waste management projects, renewable energy solutions among others that can be implemented at a school level.
Sustainability issues often intersect various subjects and methodologies. Integrating sustainability education across various subjects, equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to contribute to a more sustainable future. For instance, pre-service teachers could explore topics like the carbon footprint of common products in Mathematics or discuss environmental themes in literature classes.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

Partnering with local organisations, such as environmental groups or NGOs, can provide practical, real-world experience in sustainability issues. This also helps educators develop their understanding of sustainability beyond the classroom, preparing pre-service teachers to integrate ESD in a way that is relevant to their specific communities.

Reflective Practice and Critical Thinking

Incorporate reflective exercises in teacher education allow future teachers to analyse the impact of their teaching practices on the environment and society. By questioning their methods and considering sustainability, they develop a mindset of continuous improvement and accountability.

Case studies

Case studies are effective ways to get students to apply skills they have learned about sustainability issues to real-world situations. After learning sustainability issues from case studies, students can reflect on their learning and consider how to apply what they have learned to their own settings. This will allow them to develop their interpersonal competencies as ambassadors for sustainability in the future.

Empowering Future Educators to Lead the Way

As teacher educators, we have the responsibility and the privilege of shaping future generations. By equipping pre-service teachers with the tools and perspectives needed to incorporate ESD, we are setting the stage for widespread change that will ripple outward, touching countless students, families, and communities. Imagine a world where each classroom fosters an understanding of sustainability, where students not only learn but also act with the planet in mind. This vision is within reach if we commit to embedding Education for Sustainable Development in teacher training programs. Let’s embrace the opportunity to inspire future educators who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about making a difference. After all, the journey toward sustainability begins in our classrooms, and it is one that we must all embark upon together.

source: self-generated illustration from oaiusercontent.com

We invite all educators to join this important conversation. Share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences in the comments below.
– How do you see sustainability in your classroom?
– What creative ideas do you have for integrating ESD into your teaching practice?

Comments (3)

Amram Amakali
11:15 am October 29, 2024

How do you see sustainability in your classroom?
At face value, little attention has been given to sustainability in my classroom. I have been teaching and covering my course outline to complete it before the end of the semester. However, now that I am conscious of its significance, I can see some possibility of it in my classroom. I would try to apply learner-centered education by involving my students actively in the lesson.

What creative ideas do you have for integrating ESD into your teaching practice?
I have some ideas that I wish to employ in an attempt to make my lessons more learner-centered. Firstly, before the lectures/lessons resume, I would ask my students to reflect on their school-based studies experiences focusing on teaching and assessment. Since I teach them the Assessment and Evaluation module, students would be asked to reflect on the types of assessment used during their SBS and provide detailed explanations on how they used as well as why it was used. This will be an individual activity. The students would then be asked to relate their experiences to the course outline to come up with their course expectations. Once that is done each student will be required to share experiences with the rest of the class. Students would then be asked to keep a reflective journal to monitor their own course expectations.
Secondly, students would also be asked to reflect on every lesson in terms of what they have learned and identify issues that are still hazy to them.
Thirdly, students would be given topics to teach to fellow students. A formative assessment would be done on the topic presented. Some of the marks would be used for CAs.
Fourthly, students would also be asked to set an assessment activity based on the topic taught which will be taken online. They will be guided on how to upload the test on the learning platform used at the university.
Lastly, students would be required to produce a portfolio based on the work done during the semester focusing on their academic and professional growth. The portfolio will be graded for summative purposes.

Johanna
4:07 pm October 31, 2024

Q1: How do I see sustainability in my classroom?
I envision sustainability through the lens of place-based and place-conscious education.

Q2: Creative ideas to integrate ESD into teaching.
Place-based and place-conscious approaches to teaching help me to come up with creative ideas to integrate ESD into teaching. For example, students used flowers to make (acid/base) indicators (see their video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju8iihqbEY4).
I sensitise students that science is all around us and that science education in schools need to have very strong connection to what the learner will have at home.

Martina Namutenya
2:18 pm November 4, 2024

How do I see sustainability in my classroom?
Fortunate enough, I engage students on daily practice hence the subject I teach is ESD. By default students are engaged in ESD aspects around three themes, namely Social Environment, Natural Environment and Health, Safety and Nutrition.

Creative ideas to integrate ESD into teaching
Engaging students proactively is a challenge, I resorted to approaches that can stimulate students’ interest. This includes among others learning through play[environmental games], guest lectures both virtually and face to face as well virtual tour. Students are also encouraged to carry out research on ESD related issues.