Sustainability in the education system

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The meaning of sustainability in the education system is getting louder and the call for integration of sustainability into our education systems. In order to implement this, changes on several levels are required - structural, in terms of content, methodological and institutional. In this context, special emphasis is placed on a holistic understanding of sustainability, because sustainability is more than environmental protection, it is about a future worth living and a globally just society. What does sustainable education mean? Definition and goals of sustainable education, also called education for sustainable development (BNE), is defined by UNESCO as follows: "BNE enables learners of all ages all over the world, creative and visionary solutions ...
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The meaning of sustainability in the education system

The call for integration of sustainability into our education systems is getting louder. In order to implement this, changes on several levels are required - structural, in terms of content, methodological and institutional. In this context, special emphasis is placed on a holistic understanding of sustainability, because sustainability is more than environmental protection, it is about a future worth living and a globally just society.

What does sustainable education mean?

definition and goals

Sustainable education, also known as education for sustainable development (BNE), is defined by UNESCO as follows: "BNE enables and implement learners of all ages all over the world to find and implement creative and visionary solutions for the global challenges of tomorrow." In practice, this includes a transformation of the education system towards a stronger emphasis on sustainability.

The goals of sustainable education are diverse, they contain:

  • Promotion of knowledge transfer and acquisition of competence in the field of sustainability
  • Personnel development of teachers and managers for a sustainable society
  • Development of teaching and learning materials for sustainable education and digital skills
  • Consideration of the principles of sustainability in the organization and infrastructure of educational institutions

Dimensions of sustainable education

Sustainable education refers to the three dimensions of sustainability: economy, ecology and social affairs. The understanding of the mutual dependency and the effects of action in a dimension on the other dimensions is strengthened and the ability to develop and implement appropriate options for action.

How is sustainability integrated in the education system?

strategies and curricula

The federal states have developed strategies and curricula to improve sustainable education. These include the involvement of sustainability issues in the classroom, the training of teachers and the promotion of projects for sustainable development. There are also a variety of initiatives of educational institutions, such as the Green School's initiative or the UNESCO project school.

teacher training

Teacher training plays a key role in the implementation of sustainable education. It is important here that teachers are trained not only in terms of content, but also methodological-didactic for the imparting of sustainability issues. This includes, for example, learning methods of problem -based learning in order to enable students to think critically and independently.

sustainability in school development

The integration of sustainability into school development is another important aspect. This includes the design of school buildings and grounds according to sustainable criteria, for example through the use of renewable energies or sustainable procurement.

projects and cooperation

Projects and collaborations offer the opportunity to convey sustainability in a practical and vivid way. One example is the cooperation of schools with local companies or municipalities in projects for sustainable development, e.g. in the areas of mobility, nutrition or energy.

challenges in the integration of sustainable education

The integration of sustainable education into the education system is associated with numerous challenges. Many teachers are insufficiently prepared for the mediation of sustainability issues. In addition, there is often uncertainty in relation to the evaluation of services in the area of ​​sustainability.

Another challenge lies in the necessary change in educational structures. Sustainable education requires an inter- and transdisciplinary approach that exceeds conventional subject boundaries. This requires flexible curricula and stronger emphasis on project -based learning.

summary

The integration of sustainability into the education system is a complex task that requires versatile changes. But it is also an opportunity to modernize the education system and make an important contribution to sustainable development.