What Kind of Actions are Appropriate? Eco-School Teachers' and Instructors' Ranking of Sustainability- Promoting Actions as Content in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)

Year 2014, Volume: 4 Issue: 2, 97 - 113, 30.11.2015

Ulrica Stagell Ellen Almers Per Askerlund Magnus Apelqvıst

https://doi.org/10.18497/iejee-green.87708

Cited By: 12

Abstract

Abstract Based on the consideration that learning about different action alternatives and strategies are essential parts of ESD, this quantitative study focuses Eco-School teachers’ and instructors’ views on including different sustainability-promoting actions in teaching practices. Direct actions, and actions that take place in the private sphere were viewed by both groups as the most appropriate actions to include in teaching practices. However, actions related to individuals as consumers were seen as less appropriate by teachers than by instructors, and consequently have been less included in teaching practices. The actions considered least appropriate by both groups were two indirect actions occurring in the public sphere aiming at solutions on a structural level, engaging with political parties and engaging with NGOs. The results highlight teaching that addresses the individual’s moral responsibility in the private sphere, and that different action strategies for the democratic change of social structures tend to be excluded.

Keywords

ESD, action, teacher, eco-school, sustainability

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