Perspectives and Attitudes towards Sustainability among Science, Preschool, and Primary School Teachers

Savas Pamuk*
Department of Education, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.
Periodicity:July - September'2023
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jpsy.17.1.19318

Abstract

The concept of sustainability has been gaining momentum in recent years as people are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental, social, and economic challenges facing the world. Sustainability is a complex issue that requires a multidisciplinary approach and long-term perspective. This study aimed to examine the perceptions and attitudes of science, primary school, and preschool teachers toward sustainability. The study involved 299 public school teachers, who were asked to complete a series of scales and questions to gauge their views on sustainability and sustainable development. The findings of this study indicate that preschool teachers take a more holistic approach to sustainability education, emphasizing the need to teach sustainability as a lifestyle and calling for improved teacher training in this area. On the other hand, primary school teachers placed greater emphasis on raising awareness of sustainability rather than inducing basic behavioral changes in children. Science teachers were more focused on acquiring knowledge and concepts related to sustainability. Overall, the study suggests that the effective implementation of sustainability education requires supporting materials and resources, and the support of school administration and families.

Keywords

Education for Sustainability, Science Teachers, Classroom Teachers, Preschool Teachers, Environmental, Social, Economic Challenges.

How to Cite this Article?

Pamuk, S. (2023). Perspectives and Attitudes towards Sustainability among Science, Preschool, and Primary School Teachers. i-manager’s Journal on Educational Psychology, 17(1), 7-17. https://doi.org/10.26634/jpsy.17.1.19318

References

[2]. Calderhead, J. (1996). Teachers: Beliefs and knowledge. In D. C. Berliner, & R. C. Calfee (Eds.), Handbook of Educational Psychology (pp. 709–725). Prentice Hall International.
[4]. Fiedeldey, A. C., Craffert, L., Dijk, C. F., Marais, J. L., Staden, F. J. V., & Willers, V. (1998). Human values, attitudes and perceptions of the environment: The south african PAGEC study. Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria.
[5]. Fullan, M. (2001). Whole School Reform: Problems and Promises. Chicago Community Trust, Chicago.
[7]. Kahriman, D. (2016). Comparison of Early Childhood Education Educators' Education for Sustainable Development Practices across Eco versus Ordinary Preschools (Doctoral Dissertation, Middle East Technical University Institute of Social Sciences, Ankara).
[8]. Kennedy, M. M. (2005). The problem of evidence in teacher education. In The Role of the University in the Preparation of Teachers (pp. 91-110). Routledge.
[10]. R., & Hopkins, C. (2002). Weaving sustainability into pre-service teacher education programs. In W.F. Filho (Ed.), Teaching Sustainability at Universities: Towards Curriculum Greening (pp. 251–274). Peter Lang, Frankfurt.
[11]. Melendez, W. R., Beck, V., Fletcher, M. (2000). Teaching Social Studies in Early Education. Delmar Thomson Learning, USA.
[15]. Richardson, V. (1996). The role of attitudes and beliefs in learning to teach. Handbook of Research on Teacher Education, 2(102-119). Macmillan, New York.
[16]. Sagdıc, A. (2013). A Closer Look into Turkish Elementary Teachers Regarding Education for Sustainable Development (Master's thesis, Middle East Technical University, Turkey).
If you have access to this article please login to view the article or kindly login to purchase the article

Purchase Instant Access

Single Article

North Americas,UK,
Middle East,Europe
India Rest of world
USD EUR INR USD-ROW
Pdf 35 35 200 20
Online 35 35 200 15
Pdf & Online 35 35 400 25

Options for accessing this content:
  • If you would like institutional access to this content, please recommend the title to your librarian.
    Library Recommendation Form
  • If you already have i-manager's user account: Login above and proceed to purchase the article.
  • New Users: Please register, then proceed to purchase the article.