An ESD pathway to quality education in the Cyprus primary education context |
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| Authors: | Chrysanthi Kadji-Beltran Nicoletta Christodoulou Aravella Zachariou Petra Lindemann-Matthies Susan Barker Costas Kadis |
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| Institution: | 1. Frederick Research Center, Nicosia, Cyprus;2. School of Education, Frederick University, Nicosia, Cyprus;3. Environmental Education Unit, Cyprus Pedagogical Institute, Ministry of Education and Culture, Nicosia, Cyprus;4. Institute of Biology, Karlsruhe University of Education, Karlsruhe, Germany;5. Department of Secondary Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada;6. University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada |
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| Abstract: | This research is based on the rationale that the well-defined framework of education for sustainable development (ESD), its connection with real life and its specific integration in the educational policies and curricula can help to enhance quality education (QE) in a meaningful and identifiable way. In a first step, the common ground of ESD and QE was explored in different areas: common dimensions, future-oriented objectives, commonly targeted skills, value orientation, teaching and learning approaches. In a second step, this information was taken as a base to investigate how well twelve lesson units for primary school reflect the common ground of ESD and QE. The units were specifically developed for this research, in which ESD experienced teachers (mentors) supported inexperienced ones (mentees). Results indicate that ESD can reinforce QE, but that teachers need support with regard to the political and cultural dimensions of SD issues, collaborations with local communities and assessments. |
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| Keywords: | Education for sustainable development quality education teacher education |
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