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.
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 language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | AVETRA 17th Annual Conference Surfers Paradise - Queensland |
| Subtitle of host publication | “Informing Changes in VET Policy and Practice: The Central Role of Research” |
| Editors | Sarojini Choy, Stephen Billet |
| Place of Publication | Crows Nest NSW Australia |
| Publisher | AVETRA |
| Pages | 1-10 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780980527537 |
| Publication status | Published - 22 Apr 2014 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association Annual Conference 2014 - Outrigger Hotel, Surfers Paradise, Australia Duration: 22 Apr 2014 → 24 Apr 2014 Conference number: 17th https://www.avetra.org.au/pages/conference-archives-2014.html (Proceedings) |
Conference
| Conference | Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association Annual Conference 2014 |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | AVETRA 2014 |
| Country | Australia |
| City | Surfers Paradise |
| Period | 22/04/14 → 24/04/14 |
| Internet address |
Keywords
- Education for Sustainability (EfS)
- education for sustainable development
- VET
- vocational education and training
- Pedagogy
- transformative education
- learner centred approaches