Abstract:
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) depends on
skills, appropriate values, attitudes and behaviors for peaceful co-existence
and awareness of health, environmental, economic and social issues. There
are several educational activities being practiced in secondary schools that
promote sustainable development. There are several good ESD practices
followed by schools at present but they are not properly documented and
disseminated to other stakeholders. This study identifies the ESD Good
practices (Fostering factors) related to the implementation of the Science
subject at junior secondary level.
The study utilized a mixed method approach. Both qualitative and
quantitative methods have been used for data collection and data analysis.
The study uses multiple methods of inquiry, such as library research,
surveys, direct observation of classroom teaching-learning process and
school environment. Sixty principals and 136 Science teachers (Change
agents) in secondary schools from the Northern Province of SriLanka
formed the sample for the survey. The researcher visited the selected
schools and collected primary data through 20 classroom observations of
the teaching-learning process to identify the good ESD practices within the
school environment.
There were several ESD good practices implemented within the science
classrooms such as students making a saw dust stove, new inventions for
Science exhibition and Science projects. Likewise, several ESD good
practices observed outside the classrooms related to science such as
biogas production in school by using garbage, conducting awareness
programmers to the public regarding prevention of Dengue, control of
alcohol usage, and encouraging students to find new inventions,
establishing school gardens and herbal gardens, developing awareness of
disaster prevention, waste management and awareness of child rights.
In the survey the change agents expressed their opinions regarding
students’ associations, and celebrated days and aspects related to science
education for sustainable development at their schools. There are several
innovative initiatives taken by the ministry of Education and the national
Institute of Education related to Science which promotes the ESD at
national level. Through identifying, documenting and disseminating good
ESD practices, it is possible to develop awareness, attitudes, skills and
values about ESD among the students and the general public.