Open Access journal ISSN (Print) 1183-1189 - ISSN (Online) 2371-7750 This journal is no longer being updated because: the publisher no longer provides RSS feeds
Authors:Sule ALICI, Havva Ayca ALAN Pages: 17 - 39 Abstract: In this study, we explored early childhood education pre-service teachers’ (ECEPTs’) understanding and pedagogical application of education for sustainability (EfS) by critically analyzing EfS implementation during ECEPTs’ practicum. The study examined the challenges and critical aspects of EfS practices in the practicum, and the relationships among mentor teachers, academic mentors, and ECEPTs. A multiple case study methodology was employed involving two purposefully distinct universities with 14 participant students across the two university case study sites. Initially, 22 practicum activity plans for each ECEPT were examined via content analysis; then, the students were individually interviewed about the plans and their implications. Subsequent analysis indicated negligible differences between the two universities’ student activity plans regarding quality (aspects of EfS) and quantity (frequency of EfS activities). The students self-reflected about their EfS understandings and implementation. Additionally, they remarked that academic mentors’ and mentor teachers’ stances influenced them either positively or negatively during their workplace-based learning. They also pointed to the absence of a whole-institution approach, not only at the practicum school but also at the university level. PubDate: 2022-07-13 DOI: 10.26522/brocked.v31i2.937 Issue No:Vol. 31, No. 2 (2022)
Authors:Sally Birdsall Pages: 40 - 62 Abstract: Although teachers have been identified as key change agents in the shift towards a flourishing planet for all, research into effective pedagogies for embedding environmental and sustainability education (ESE) into teacher education courses is an emerging area. Understandings about the most effective approaches and activities are needed, along with theories that could underpin teachers’ learning. This study explores 21 pre-service primary school teachers’ learning following their engagement in an elective course designed to help them embed ESE into their future practice. Qualitative data were gathered using reflections as well as peer and individual interviews. An analysis showed that the activities considered most valuable for learning were those that gave pre-service teachers space and time to think more deeply and in different ways. Mezirow’s transformative learning theory was used to explore their learning. The use of its three elements and six components identified that transformative learning took place for about half of these pre-service teachers. While it seems this theory has potential to underpin ESE teacher education courses, further research is needed to explore how transformation can occur for more teachers. PubDate: 2022-07-13 DOI: 10.26522/brocked.v31i2.941 Issue No:Vol. 31, No. 2 (2022)
Authors:Therese Ferguson, Carmel Roofe, Loraine D. Cook, Sharon Bramwell-Lalor, Carol Hordatt Gentles Pages: 63 - 84 Abstract: Formal education for sustainable development (ESD) is in large part dependent on capacity-building and training of teachers as they are the individuals who must both deliver ESD at the classroom level as well as utilise their own knowledge, values and skills in support of sustainability. In this research, teacher educators within a higher education institution in Jamaica undertook a collaborative action research project to infuse ESD into their selected undergraduate and postgraduate courses during the spring semester of the 2018/19 academic year. Data were collected from approximately 140 students through the use of a pre- and post-infusion concept map, which sought to ascertain various facets including students’ level of awareness and perspectives on sustainable development and ESD. Preliminary findings indicate that students’ understanding of sustainable development broadened after the courses, with most students believing that sustainable development involves social, economic and environmental improvements that do not come at the expense of our natural resources. Additionally, students’ thoughts about ESD shifted, with students highlighting aspects of the interdisciplinary nature of ESD and ESD as involving equitable and inclusive education, as well as attitudinal and behavioural changes. The findings of this research are significant in highlighting how the intentional infusion of ESD into courses across various specialisations can enhance students’ knowledge and awareness of sustainable development and ESD. PubDate: 2022-07-13 DOI: 10.26522/brocked.v31i2.915 Issue No:Vol. 31, No. 2 (2022)
Authors:Jeff Stickney Pages: 85 - 108 Abstract: The aim of this paper is to share our story about introducing environmental sustainability education (ESE) in an initial teacher education (ITE) program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at University of Toronto, starting in 2018. In so far as narratives motivate reflection and action, the goal is to encourage readers to start a conversation with colleagues at their respective institutions (university or college) about how they might do something similar. Consideration is given to how this case fits what Neus (Snowy) Evans refers to as a “systems approach” to implementing ESE in ITE, even if more in retrospect and through improvisation than through foresight and technical prowess. PubDate: 2022-07-13 DOI: 10.26522/brocked.v31i2.936 Issue No:Vol. 31, No. 2 (2022)
Authors:Douglas D. Karrow, Xavier Fazio, David Zandvliet Pages: 109 - 130 Abstract: The purpose of this article is to examine how signifiers and empty signifiers may contribute to the mainstreaming of environmental and sustainability education in teacher education. We argue that the moniker of environmental and sustainability education is an empty signifier in that it fails to convey meaning about what it signifies. Tracing the history of the pre- sustainability, sustainability, and post-sustainability field signifiers, and their respective sub- field signifiers (e.g., environmental education and education for sustainable development), we conduct a philosophical inquiry, augmented by a modified form of semiotic analysis, to expose the degree to which these signifiers are empty. The limitations and benefits of empty signification are explored through philosophical interpretation. Implications of empty signifier limitations are considered in teacher education and the manner in which they may contribute to the unsuccessful mainstreaming of environmental and sustainability education in teacher education. We conclude that a core or compulsory environmental and sustainability education course should be mandated in teacher education to ensure that all teacher candidates receive the education they require to educate future generations of children to live well on Earth. PubDate: 2022-07-13 DOI: 10.26522/brocked.v31i2.917 Issue No:Vol. 31, No. 2 (2022)
Open Access journal
