Research Article

Mathematics and environmental management: A synergistic approach to education for sustainable development

Volume: 6 Number: 2 December 26, 2025

Mathematics and environmental management: A synergistic approach to education for sustainable development

Abstract

Amid the pressing need for environmental management through multidisciplinary approaches, this study investigated the perceptions and attitudes of prospective mathematics teachers towards integrating environmental management and sustainability topics into their pedagogical practices. A quantitative survey was conducted with 156 prospective mathematics educators, enrolled in a B.Ed. program, who incorporated environmental concepts into their lessons during their practicum sessions in schools. Using exploratory factor analysis, three factors were identified influencing the participants’ attitudes toward this integrated approach. The findings revealed a generally positive outlook, with some teachers embracing the integration of mathematics and environmental management as a means of engaging students in meaningful learning experiences, while others viewed it as enhancing mathematics and environmental skills at the same time. Importantly, these attitudes were consistent across gender and teaching experience. The study highlighted the potential of this interdisciplinary approach in enhancing students’ holistic development, and provide actionable insights for curriculum designers and educators seeking to promote sustainable education practices. By addressing a notable gap in empirical research on the intersection of mathematics pedagogy and environmental management, this work contributes to the ongoing dialogue on embedding sustainability within mathematics instruction and preparing future global citizens with both mathematical and environmental competencies.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

No funding

Ethical Statement

The study did not require formal approval from any ethical boards. But all due permissions were taken from the institutional heads where the study has been conducted, as well as from the university departmental head (HOD., Department of Education, Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi, India) where the scholars are working.

Thanks

The authors sincerely thank the participant, faculty, and principals of the participating institutions for their cooperation and support throughout the study. Their valuable engagement and insights were essential in the successful completion of the research.

References

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  2. Alsina, Á., & Calabuig, M. T. (2019). Vinculando educación matemática y sostenibilidad: Implicaciones para la formación inicial de docentes como herramienta de transformación social. Revista Educación Ambiental y Sostenibilidad, 1, 1203. https://revistas.uca.es/index.php/REAyS/article/view/4758/5369
  3. Berlin, D. F., & White, A. L. (2012). A longitudinal look at attitudes and perceptions related to the integration of mathematics, science, and technology education. School Science and Mathematics, 112(1), 20–30. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1949-8594.2011.00111.x
  4. Clark, C. R., Heimlich, J. E., Ardoin, N. M., & Braus, J. (2020). Using a Delphi study to clarify the landscape and core outcomes in environmental education. Environmental Education Research, 26(3), 381–399.
  5. Esa, N. (2010). Environmental knowledge, attitude and practices of student teachers. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 19(1), 39–50.
  6. Fasinu, V. G., & Alant, B. (2023). University electronics engineering students’ approaches of integrating mathematical ideas into the learning of physical electronics in basic electronics. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 19(1), Article 2214. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/12797
  7. Follong, B. M., Verdonschot, A., Prieto-Rodriguez, E., Miller, A., Collins, C. E., & Bucher, T. (2022). Nutrition across the curriculum: A scoping review exploring the integration of nutrition education within primary schools. Nutrition Research Reviews, 35(2), 181–196. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954422421000111
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

STEM Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

December 26, 2025

Submission Date

September 10, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 16, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 6 Number: 2

APA
Mukherjee, A., & Singh, S. (2025). Mathematics and environmental management: A synergistic approach to education for sustainable development. Journal for the Mathematics Education and Teaching Practices, 6(2), 147-159. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17996038
AMA
1.Mukherjee A, Singh S. Mathematics and environmental management: A synergistic approach to education for sustainable development. JMETP. 2025;6(2):147-159. doi:10.5281/zenodo.17996038
Chicago
Mukherjee, Antara, and Shashi Singh. 2025. “Mathematics and Environmental Management: A Synergistic Approach to Education for Sustainable Development”. Journal for the Mathematics Education and Teaching Practices 6 (2): 147-59. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17996038.
EndNote
Mukherjee A, Singh S (December 1, 2025) Mathematics and environmental management: A synergistic approach to education for sustainable development. Journal for the Mathematics Education and Teaching Practices 6 2 147–159.
IEEE
[1]A. Mukherjee and S. Singh, “Mathematics and environmental management: A synergistic approach to education for sustainable development”, JMETP, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 147–159, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.17996038.
ISNAD
Mukherjee, Antara - Singh, Shashi. “Mathematics and Environmental Management: A Synergistic Approach to Education for Sustainable Development”. Journal for the Mathematics Education and Teaching Practices 6/2 (December 1, 2025): 147-159. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17996038.
JAMA
1.Mukherjee A, Singh S. Mathematics and environmental management: A synergistic approach to education for sustainable development. JMETP. 2025;6:147–159.
MLA
Mukherjee, Antara, and Shashi Singh. “Mathematics and Environmental Management: A Synergistic Approach to Education for Sustainable Development”. Journal for the Mathematics Education and Teaching Practices, vol. 6, no. 2, Dec. 2025, pp. 147-59, doi:10.5281/zenodo.17996038.
Vancouver
1.Antara Mukherjee, Shashi Singh. Mathematics and environmental management: A synergistic approach to education for sustainable development. JMETP. 2025 Dec. 1;6(2):147-59. doi:10.5281/zenodo.17996038

JMETP is peer-reviewed scientific journal where mathematics education research is meticulously reviewed, and its visibility and citation potential are supported. It has introduced innovation to the field with the concept of the "Math Teaching Practices" article.