Teaching and learning for sustainable development: ESD research in technology education

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53 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

When education for sustainable development (ESD) emerged as part of the educational agenda in the international arena, it was associated with significant shifts in the educational debate about the purpose and nature of education and with the need to respond to crises caused by the modern idea of progress. Scientists from different fields warn humanity that the current trajectory of capitalism is leading towards environmental and cultural decline and that urgent measures are required to deal with the current and emerging issues. Global financial and economic crises, poverty and inequality, climate change and environmental degradation reinforce our understanding that a collaborative effort is required in addressing the existing status quo through education. These changing contexts require transformative education that must play a key role in developing a planetary vision, in "securing sustainable life chances, aspirations and futures for young people". This paper refers to the essence of SD and the ethics behind it, explores current research on ESD in technology education (TE) and suggests a number of challenges that emerged for technology education as a result of the global SD agenda. They are related to policy and curriculum development, teaching and learning, and teacher training. This paper argues that current and future research on ESD in technology education must be framed by a shared vision about quality education and a society that lives in balance with Earth's carrying capacity. The paper concludes with suggestions for further directions for research associated with the areas of challenge. Copyright © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)733-748
JournalInternational Journal of Technology and Design Education
Volume23
Issue number3
Early online dateJun 2012
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2013

Citation

Pavlova, M. (2013). Teaching and learning for sustainable development: ESD research in technology education. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 23(3), 733-748. doi: 10.1007/s10798-012-9213-9

Keywords

  • Education for sustainable development
  • Research in technology education
  • Transformative education
  • Policy and curriculum development
  • Teaching and learning
  • Teacher training

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