Abstract
This article 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 Vocational Education and Training (VET), with implications for quality pedagogy more generally. EfS pedagogy has the potential to inform 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. After reviewing the literature on quality pedagogy in VET, as well as on EfS itself, this article evaluates the impact and effectiveness of a nationwide professional development program to upskill 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 generally through uptake of EfS principles and practice. Based on our findings, we draw conclusions and make recommendations for further research.
Original language | English |
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Pages | 124-133 |
Number of pages | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2016 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | Australian Association for Environmental Education (AAEE) Conference 2014: Sustainability: Smart Strategies for the 21st Century - Hobart, Hobart, Australia Duration: 2 Nov 2014 → 5 Nov 2014 Conference number: 18th http://www.aaee.org.au/events/aaee-conference/ |
Conference
Conference | Australian Association for Environmental Education (AAEE) Conference 2014 |
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Abbreviated title | AAEE 2014 |
Country/Territory | Australia |
City | Hobart |
Period | 2/11/14 → 5/11/14 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- critical thinking
- education for sustainability
- learner-centred
- pedagogy
- transformation and change
- VET
- vocational education and training
- whole-of-systems thinking