Innovative Teaching–Learning Practices for Sustainability

Abstract

The growing levels of environmental degradation, social inequalities, and economic challenges taking place worldwide have made the element of sustainability a significant priority in modern education. Schools are very important in equipping students to suitably address such problems. Nevertheless, traditional methods of teaching that
are based mostly on memorization and teacher-centered learning are not always sufficient
to equip individuals with the skills needed to achieve sustainable development. Creative teaching-learning processes are useful in offering learners significant chances to acquire critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and problem solving skills. Such strategies make students venture into the real life situations of sustainability issues and actively engage in the process of learning. This paper discusses some of the new pedagogical approaches that sustainability education will rely on such as experiential learning, project-based learning, interdisciplinary learning, digital technologies, community-based learning, service learning, green campus, and competency-based learning. The paper points out the importance of teachers in enabling transformative learning experience that develops environment and ethical responsibility and active citizenship. Moreover, it highlights the need to bring about institutional support, curriculum reform as well as policy initiatives that encourage sustainability in the education systems. The results indicate that new teaching methods have a positive impact on developing the knowledge of sustainability among students and making them responsible in relation to society and environment.