Title: An Explanatory Case Study on the Incorporation of Education for Sustainable Development Into Formal Education in Japan
Stream: Teaching Experiences, Pedagogy, Practice & Praxis
Presentation Type: Virtual Presentation
Authors:
Aric Denfield, Nichidai Sakuragaoka High School, Japan
Abstract:
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is vital to create sustainable societies. Successive Japanese governments have advocated the incorporation of ESD into its education system. This paper investigates teachers’ understandings of Sustainable Development (SD) and ESD and the extent to which ESD has been incorporated into lessons.
To address this question, an explanatory case study in a private senior high school was conducted. Data collection involved a literature review, looking at international iterations of ESD and its interpretation by relevant Japanese ministries; an interview with the school’s curriculum coordinator; and the collection of quantitative data. The instrument was designed by the author. The results indicate teachers view SD primarily through an environmental lens. They consider it of vital importance; however, the majority of respondents find ESD difficult to understand. ESD-related themes are integrated into lessons, although this varies by department and its inclusion is determined by the content of textbooks. Inter-disciplinary learning is largely absent. Respondents supported the development of ESD’s core competences and values; however, many of the pedagogies used do not aid that development, even though greater use is being made of Active Learning. Finally, while respondents understood the affective dimension of transformative learning (TL), they did not feel it was within the remit of education. To implement ESD more effectively, the school needs to adopt a holistic approach. Teachers must be better acquainted with ESD literature and greater use must be made of active learning methods.
Virtual Presentation
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