Education for sustainability: an enabler of quality VET pedagogy?

Gitanjali Bedi, Susan Germein

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference PaperResearchpeer-review

Abstract

This paper proposes that Education for Sustainability (EfS), with its focus on transformative and learner-centred approaches, and higher order thinking skills, enriches teaching and learning in general and therefore is an enabler of quality Vocational Education and Training (VET) pedagogy.

EfS pedagogy provides the theoretical models and thinking skills to rise to the challenge of a new discourse on VET’s role in citizenship and responsibility for the future, characterised by some as a shift from productivism to ecologism, and described by UNESCO/ILO as critical thinking towards sustainable development.

This paper evaluates the impact and effectiveness of a nation-wide professional development program to up-skill VET practitioners in EfS pedagogy. Early findings indicate personal transformations for participants both as individuals and VET professionals, with high levels of teaching practice enhancement in general through uptake of EfS principles and practice. Based on our findings we draw conclusions and make recommendations for further research.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAVETRA 17th Annual Conference Surfers Paradise - Queensland
Subtitle of host publication“Informing Changes in VET Policy and Practice: The Central Role of Research”
EditorsSarojini Choy, Stephen Billet
Place of PublicationCrows Nest NSW Australia
PublisherAustralian Vocational Education and Training Research Association
Pages1-10
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9780980527537
Publication statusPublished - 22 Apr 2014
Externally publishedYes
EventAustralian Vocational Education and Training Research Association Annual Conference 2014 - Outrigger Hotel, Surfers Paradise, Australia
Duration: 22 Apr 201424 Apr 2014
Conference number: 17th
https://www.avetra.org.au/pages/conference-archives-2014.html (Proceedings)

Conference

ConferenceAustralian Vocational Education and Training Research Association Annual Conference 2014
Abbreviated titleAVETRA 2014
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySurfers Paradise
Period22/04/1424/04/14
Internet address

Keywords

  • Education for Sustainability (EfS)
  • education for sustainable development
  • VET
  • vocational education and training
  • Pedagogy
  • transformative education
  • learner centred approaches

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