Abstract
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) plays a significant role in supporting green economic restructuring and tackling environmental problems through skills development. This paper outlines current theories and practices related to education for sustainable development (ESD) pedagogy that can enhance TVET’s contribution to generic green skills development. It reviews the pedagogical models used in sustainability-related curriculum for developing students’ key sustainability competencies. Following on from this, the paper reports on the results of a pilot study in which the researcher observed classes in a TVET institution and interviewed the staff involved in teaching a generic green module. The study revealed a significant gap between ESD theoretical framework and ESD pedagogical practices within the context of TVET. In particular, lecture-based pedagogy observed during the study and teaching content, which was not directly related to local and industrial contexts, did not stimulate students’ participation and learning motivation. Interviews identified a challenge for teaching staff in terms of transforming their role from a teacher-centered approach to the role of facilitator who provides constructive feedback and supports students in individual and collaborative learning. This pilot study suggested, a cross-disciplinary, problem- and project-based pedagogical framework that integrates real-world problem solving opportunities can facilitate the effective implementation of generic green modules to equip students with generic green skills. Based on these findings, a subsequent study will focus on the ways and conditions in which ESD pedagogy can be effectively implemented in TVET institutions. In addition, an evaluation will be undertaken of the effectiveness of the proposed pedagogical model, based on evidence from classroom observations and students learning outcomes.
Author Information
Shimin Christy Chen, Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Paper Information
Conference: ECSEE2018
Stream: Economic Sustainability: Environmental Challenges and Economic Growth
This paper is part of the ECSEE2018 Conference Proceedings (View)
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