PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN EDUCATION
Certificate Yes
Cost €80/day
Language English
Duration 5 Day course
Cities: Antalya, Bitola
"Promoting Environmental Sustainability in Education" is a transformative course aimed at equipping educators with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to integrate environmental sustainability principles into teaching practices and school cultures. Aligned with the objectives and priorities of the Erasmus+ Programme, this course seeks to enhance the quality and relevance of education and training, promote sustainable development, and empower learners to become responsible global citizens. By fostering environmental literacy and stewardship, educators can inspire future generations to safeguard our planet and create a more sustainable world.
Did you know that according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), education is a key driver of sustainable development, enabling individuals and communities to understand the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic issues? By integrating environmental sustainability into education, we can empower learners to take action and contribute to building a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
Description
This dynamic course is designed for educators across all levels and disciplines who are passionate about integrating environmental sustainability principles into their teaching and learning practices. Through a combination of theoretical insights, practical workshops, case studies, and hands-on activities, participants will explore key concepts such as ecological literacy, sustainable living, environmental justice, and climate action.
Participants will learn how to develop interdisciplinary, place-based curriculum units that address local environmental challenges and foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among students. They will also explore strategies for greening school operations, engaging the school community, and promoting environmental stewardship beyond the classroom.
This course is particularly relevant for educators who wish to inspire and empower students to become active agents of positive change in their communities and contribute to building a more sustainable and equitable world for future generations.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the principles and concepts of environmental sustainability and their relevance to education, including the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems.
- Develop ecological literacy and a deep understanding of local and global environmental issues, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion.
- Explore innovative teaching and learning approaches for integrating environmental sustainability into the curriculum, including project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and outdoor education.
- Learn how to develop interdisciplinary, place-based curriculum units that address local environmental challenges and promote environmental stewardship.
- Gain insights into strategies for greening school operations, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable procurement practices.
- Explore ways to engage the school community, including students, parents, staff, and local stakeholders, in environmental sustainability initiatives and action projects.
Methodology and Implementation
Interactive workshops and experiential learning: Participants will engage in interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and experiential learning opportunities to deepen their understanding of environmental sustainability concepts and practices. They will have the opportunity to explore real-world environmental issues, conduct field investigations, and collaborate on action projects.
Case studies and best practices: Case studies and examples of successful environmental sustainability initiatives in educational settings will be presented and analyzed to inspire and inform participants' own teaching practices and school-wide initiatives. Participants will learn from real-world examples of effective curriculum integration, community engagement, and sustainability leadership.
Project-based learning and inquiry-based learning: Participants will explore project-based learning and inquiry-based learning approaches as effective means of integrating environmental sustainability into the curriculum. They will learn how to design and facilitate hands-on, inquiry-driven projects that engage students in authentic investigations of local environmental issues, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
Implementation: Participants will design and implement interdisciplinary, project-based learning units that address local environmental challenges and incorporate scientific inquiry, data collection, analysis, and interpretation. They will guide students through the process of identifying research questions, conducting investigations, and communicating their findings to authentic audiences.
Outdoor education and environmental field studies: Participants will explore the benefits of outdoor education and environmental field studies for enhancing environmental literacy and fostering a deeper connection to nature. They will learn how to design and facilitate outdoor learning experiences that engage students in hands-on exploration, observation, and reflection in natural environments.
Implementation: Participants will plan and lead outdoor learning experiences, such as nature walks, field trips, and ecological field studies, that provide opportunities for students to observe and interact with local ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural phenomena. They will integrate field-based observations and data collection into their curriculum units, fostering a sense of wonder, curiosity, and appreciation for the natural world.
Activity design and peer review:
Performance-based assessment: Participants will design performance-based assessments that allow students to demonstrate their understanding of environmental sustainability concepts and apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. Assessments may include project presentations, environmental action projects, portfolio artifacts, and performance tasks that require students to apply critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Authentic assessment: Participants will develop authentic assessment tasks that align with real-world environmental challenges and engage students in meaningful learning experiences. Authentic assessments may involve real-world problem-solving, community engagement, and action projects that address local environmental issues and contribute to positive change in the community.
Reflection and self-assessment: Participants will engage students in reflection and self-assessment activities to promote metacognitive awareness and deepen their understanding of environmental sustainability concepts and practices. Students will have opportunities to reflect on their learning, set goals for improvement, and assess their progress towards environmental literacy and stewardship.
Peer assessment and feedback: Participants will incorporate peer assessment and feedback into their classroom practices to foster collaboration, communication, and teamwork skills. Students will provide constructive feedback to their peers on their environmental projects, presentations, and contributions to group activities, promoting a culture of peer support and accountability.
Daily Programme
Day 1: Understanding Environmental Sustainability
Morning Session:
- Welcome and Course Overview
- Introduction to Environmental Sustainability
- Key Concepts and Principles
Afternoon Session:
- Workshop: Exploring Local Environmental Issues
- Case Study Analysis: Successful Environmental Sustainability Initiatives
Day 2: Integrating Sustainability into the Curriculum
Morning Session:
- Curriculum Integration Strategies
- Project-Based Learning for Environmental Sustainability
Afternoon Session:
- Designing Interdisciplinary Curriculum Units
- Peer Collaboration and Feedback
Day 3: Outdoor Education and Field Studies
Morning Session:
- Benefits of Outdoor Education
- Planning Outdoor Learning Experiences
Afternoon Session:
- Field Trip Preparation and Safety
- Field Study Techniques and Data Collection
Day 4: Engaging the School Community
Morning Session:
- Strategies for Engaging Students in Sustainability Initiatives
- Building Partnerships with Parents and Community Members
Afternoon Session:
- Collaborative Action Planning
- Community Outreach and Advocacy
Day 5: Implementing Sustainable Practices
Morning Session:
- Greening School Operations
- Sustainability Leadership and Advocacy
Afternoon Session:
- Action Plan Development
- Reflection and Closing Remarks