The Awareness of Teachers and College Students towards Sustainable Development and Education for Sustainable Development

지속가능발전 및 지속가능발전교육에 대한 대학생과 교사들의 인식

This study was aimed to explore the level of awareness of Korean teachers and college students towards sustainable development(SD) and education for sustainable development(ESD). A survey was conducted to understand the present status of awareness of SD and ESD among 317 college students and 625 teachers in Korea from April to May of 2005. The questionnaire included items asking whether they heard about terms such as sustainability or sustainable development, the source of information on SD, the level of understanding or the urgent task for SD in Korea. It also included questions about experiences in participating in or conducting ESD, the need for ESD, important areas in and the modality for ESD and the willingness to participate in ESD. The results showed that the level of awareness on SD among teachers was low compared to college students, who have a relatively high level of access on SD issues through textbooks and classes in high school. Interestingly, most of college students replied that they never received any ESD, even though they learned SD in class. Both the teacher and student group thought that tile priority of sustainable development should be an 'environment-related' area in the social, economical and environmental perspectives. Most of the students and teachers considered the concept of SD as 'pursuing the balance between environmental protection and economic development.' Some of the teachers recognized the concept of sustainable development in the paradigm of continuous economic development. Both groups responded that the urgent task related to sustainable development is 'environmental protection' and the 'reduction of poverty.' On the other hand, they had experiences in teaching related to natural resources, gender equity, health, human rights, climate changes and other SD issues in class, but not under the name of ESD. They also emphasized 'critical thinking and problem solving & decision-making' in education. Most of the students and teachers responded that it was needed to carry out ESD, and that the way of life for SD would be the priority. It is suggested that various pedagogy and modalities according to various target groups should be considered in providing ESD. It is necessary to use more effective strategies for ESD rather than just introducing the concept of SD. Also, it is needed to review the ESD practices of teachers and improve the quality of education within the scope of ESD.