Sustainability in the education system

Sustainability in the education system

The meaning of sustainability in the education system

The call to integrate sustainability into our education systems is becoming louder and louder. In order to realize this, changes are required on several levels – structural, substantive, methodological and institutional. In this context, particular 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 (ESD), is defined by UNESCO as follows: "ESD empowers learners of all ages, anywhere in the world, to find and implement creative and visionary solutions to the global challenges of tomorrow." In practice, this includes a transformation of the education system towards a greater emphasis on sustainability.

The goals of sustainable education are diverse, they include:

• Förderung von Wissensvermittlung und Kompetenzerwerb im Bereich Nachhaltigkeit
• Personalentwicklung von Lehrenden und Führungskräfte für eine zukunftsfähige Gesellschaft
• Entwicklung von Lehr- und Lernmaterialien für nachhaltige Bildung und digitale Kompetenzen
• Beachtung der Prinzipien der Nachhaltigkeit in der Organisation und Infrastruktur von Bildungseinrichtungen

Dimensions of sustainable education

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

How is sustainability integrated into the education system?

Strategies and curricula

The federal states have developed strategies and curricula to improve sustainable education. These include integrating sustainability topics into lessons, training teachers and promoting sustainable development projects. There are also a number of initiatives from educational institutions, such as the Green Schools Initiative or the UNESCO School Project.

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 in terms of methodology and didactics in teaching sustainability topics. This includes, for example, learning methods of problem-based learning 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, among other things, the design of school buildings and grounds according to sustainable criteria, for example through the use of renewable energies or sustainable procurement.

Projects and collaborations

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

Challenges in integrating sustainable education

The integration of sustainable education into the education system is associated with numerous challenges. Many teachers are inadequately prepared to teach sustainability topics. In addition, there is often uncertainty regarding the assessment of sustainability performance.

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

Summary

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