Tomorrow today; 2010 - unesdoc - Unesco

Images: © Peter PurgThe Eighth JTEFS/BBCC conference “Sustainable Development. Culture. Education”,2010, ParisPaper presentation session during 8th JTEFS/BBCCconference in Parisimplementation of sustainability and sustainable developmentin higher education (and notably teacher training) throughorganization of the learning and research environment, designof appropriate methodology, content and metacontent of studycourses and programmes that are based on the principles ofsustainability.The Institute’s activity is characterized by two general spheres ofactivity: research and education.The Institute’s approach to research• Historically, this has involved application of the principles ofecology, integration, spirituality and sustainability in theorybuilding and research• Currently, the Institute is engaged in the application ofeducational action research to reorient teacher education forsustainability, creation of a learning environment that fostersdevelopment of research skills and research identity of teachersin the context of ESD. Action research, as the environment andstrategic approach for reaching educational objectives, permitsthe creation of a research and learning environment equippedfor identification of personal experience and engagement inreflective discourse and communication, thus creating newknowledge and searching for wisdom for ESD and implementinga holistic approach to organization of education, increasingits sustainability through synergy among research and learningactivities and reflection.The Institute’s approach to education• Designing study programmes for BA, MA and doctoral degree inEducation intertwined with the idea of ESD• Teaching in-service and pre-service teachers, educational administrationstaff etc. for BA, MA and doctoral degree in Educationusing ESD framework• Using action research as a basis for designing studycourses where non-formal and informal activities areintegrated in formal studies, thus developing students’flexible thinking and reflexive abilities, and creatingnew sustainability-oriented frames of reference• Leveraging the experience of the Institute’s staff,which has been accumulated and enriched over manyyears and is disseminated in publications and websitesall over the world. 4,5,6,7,8The Institute’s accumulated experience has culminatedin the creation of a research and learningenvironment that offers discovery of new knowledgeand ESD wisdom through cooperative relationships.The Institute’s activity provides an opportunity toanswer the question: “How can everyone effectivelyparticipate in promotion of sustainability, locally andglobally?” Moreover, the results achieved by a smallcountry and a small regional university can convinceresearchers and educators from bigger countries anduniversities that every university can successfullybecome involved in solving global problems, overcomehistorical barriers, and can find its way andmode of action in its own time and place and in closecooperation with partners from various parts of theworld, for the common aim of increasing sustainabilityin education.The Institute’s vision and experience need to bebroadened and spread since the world is characterizedby an established tradition of unsustainable developmentand education has no alternative but to reorientconsciousness and action to address sustainability,producing wisdom and thus directing society towardssustainable development.[ 98 ]