What is it about?
This study examines how preservice teachers acquire sustainability values and attitudes through university activities. It analyzes the effectiveness of sustainability education for 359 education students using a pretest-posttest design. The research also investigates lecturers' knowledge and attitudes towards teaching sustainability. Results show students struggle to integrate various aspects of sustainability, while lecturers face knowledge gaps and resistance in designing sustainability education. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive sustainability training for both students and lecturers in teacher education programs.
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Why is it important?
This research is crucial for improving sustainability education in teacher training programs. By identifying the challenges faced by both students and lecturers, it provides valuable insights for developing more effective educational strategies. The findings highlight the need for a more integrated approach to teaching sustainability, addressing not only environmental aspects but also social and economic dimensions. This study contributes to the broader goal of preparing future teachers who can effectively educate their students about sustainability issues, potentially influencing long-term societal attitudes and behaviors towards sustainable development. Moreover, it underscores the importance of providing adequate training and support for university lecturers in sustainability education.
Perspectives
As a researcher involved in this study, I was particularly struck by the gap between the perceived importance of sustainability education and the actual implementation in teacher training programs. The challenges we uncovered, such as students' difficulty in integrating various aspects of sustainability and lecturers' resistance to curriculum changes, highlight the complex nature of this educational task. This research reinforced my belief in the critical role of higher education in shaping future educators who can address global sustainability challenges. It also emphasized the need for continuous professional development for university lecturers in this rapidly evolving field. I hope this study will contribute to improving sustainability education practices and ultimately lead to a more sustainable future through better-prepared educators.
PhD Juan Sebastián Fernández-Prados
Universidad de Almeria
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Educating preservice teachers in sustainability: Conceptions, values and attitudes of students and lecturers at the university, International and Multidisciplinary Journal of Social Sciences, July 2023, Hipatia Press,
DOI: 10.17583/rimcis.11478.
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