Science and Classroom Teachers' Views on Sustainable Environment-Life during Covid-19 Epidemic

Abstract

This study, conducted with phenomenological design, a qualitative research approach, aimed to determine science and classroom teachers’ views on sustainable environment and life during Covid-19 pandemic. For this purpose, data were collected from six science teachers and six classroom teachers working in Mersin city center through semi-structured interview questions. The first section of the interview attempted to identify teachers’ views on sustainable environment and life. The second section examined participants’ views on Covid-19 outbreak and their experiences during the epidemic. The last section focused on views about the effects of Covid-19 epidemic on sustainable environment and life. The findings were analyzed with content analysis. It was found that the participants defined sustainability as continuity, did not find the state follow-up sufficient in sustainable environmental practices and believed that citizens lacked awareness about sustainability. Some participants reported experiencing a process of returning back to basics and enlightenment during the epidemic. The majority of the participants believed that the epidemic would have a negative impact on sustainability. On the other hand, some participants stated that the epidemic would have positive effects or no effect on sustainability. Participants suggested various solutions for a sustainable environment based on the epidemic experience.

Keywords

• Covid-19
• sustainability
• science teachers
• classroom teachers

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