Sustainable School: approaching the vision
Introduction:
The Sustainable School course responds to the claim for a school compliant with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It is an effort to transform the school into a sustainable organization, focusing on the principles and values of sustainability. It employs the sustainable school indicators, a set of indicators to guide teachers and students towards school sustainability.
Description
This course is designed to be interdisciplinary, incorporating elements of all the school disciplines (civics, math, science, etc.) in a wholistic and comprehensive way. The Sustainable School is the educational model which responds to the claim for Sustainable Development and the 17 SDG’s. It is an effort to transform the school into a learning organization through the implementation of a quality indicators approach (sustainable school indicators). This effort is directed towards the sustainability of the school as social structure and as a learning organization. The sustainable school indicators are at the same time quality criteria and incentives for the school community to engage in the common effort for sustainability. Aspects of the sustainable school are the inclusive education that provides, the lower Ecological Footprint, the full function of participatory decision making, the improved learning environment and teaching strategies, the openness to the society, etc.
The course contains:
Introduction Sustainability:
- Definition and basic concepts
- Historical context of sustainable development and the 17 SDGs
- Overview of key terms (e.g. inclusive, democratic, eco-footprint etc.)
- Climate Change Education
Sustainable School Indicators
- Function and limits
- Inspiration and guidance
Ecological and Energy Footprint
- Taking care of the school’s energy and eco footprint
- Whole school approach to the footprint
Whole School Approach
- Participation of both teachers and students
- Participation of the stakeholders
- Participation of the school leadership
Social and Ethical Dimensions:
- Social responsibility and prosocial activities
Interactive Learning:
- Workshops, simulations, and group projects to engage students actively
- Field trips and practical experiences
Assessment and Evaluation:
- Methods for assessing the positive changes at school
- Evaluation of individual and group projects
Future Challenges and Opportunities:
- Innovations and technological advancements for the school
Learning Objectives
The course aims to achieve several learning objectives to ensure that teachers gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability at school and its impact. The specific objectives include:
Understanding the meaning of Sustainability:
Basic principles of Sustainability (climate change, consumerism, biodiversity, e.tc.)
Intergenerational equity
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:
Foster critical thinking skills to evaluate climate-related information, claims, and policies.
Encourage problem-solving approaches to address real-world challenges associated with climate change.
Interdisciplinary Perspectives:
Integrate knowledge from various disciplines, such as science, economics, sociology, and policy studies, to develop a holistic understanding of climate change.
Research Skills:
Acquire basic research skills to critically evaluate scientific literature and data related to climate change.
Conduct independent research on specific aspects of climate change.
Personal and Civic Responsibility:
Foster a sense of personal and civic responsibility in addressing climate change.
Encourage active participation in sustainable practices and advocacy for climate action.
Methodology and Assessment
The climate change education course will involve an array of different methodological and training approaches, like the following.
1. Introduction to Climate Change: Key terms and concepts,
2. Multidisciplinary Approach: science, economics, sociology, and policy.
3. Case Studies: Real-world case studies to illustrate the impacts of climate change-successful mitigation and adaptation strategies.
4. Interactive Activities: simulations, role plays, and debates, virtual labs and interactive exercises.
5. Field Trips: A field trip to areas affected by climate change. Hands-on learning.
6. Group Projects: Collaboration and diverse perspectives.
7. Current Events Analysis: From theoretical knowledge to real-world issues.
8. Technology Integration: Online platforms, interactive tools, and data visualization climate-related apps
Assessment Strategy:
1. Group Project Evaluation: Group projects based on content, creativity, and presentation.
2. Class Participation: Active participation in discussions, debates, and activities.
3. Reflections and Journals: Depth of understanding and personal engagement.
4. Practical Skills Assessment: related to climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.
By combining a variety of teaching methods and assessments, learners can gain a holistic understanding of climate change while developing critical skills for addressing this global challenge.
Course program
Day | Activities |
Monday | Welcome-Registration-Ice breaking activities-Outline of the course program. Program objectives-Participants’ presentations-Expectations and objectives-Practical information about the course. Short presentation of contemporary Greece |
Tuesday | Introduction to Sustainability-Sustainable Development-Sustainable School-Sustainable School Indicators Mapping the Sustainable School with the SS Indicators. SWOT analysis-Mapping the school with SWOT analysis-Sustainable School Management Plan (SSMP)- Creation of a SSMP. |
Wednesday | Study visit to a Sustainable School (Alternatively Visit to Stavros Niarchos Foundation-Mediterranean Garden) |
Thursday | The Sustainable School in the Classroom. Classroom activities to fulfill the Sustainable School Indicators-Alternative and Sustainability compliant Teaching and Learning strategies |
Friday | Visiting schools that implement the Sustainable School Indicators (SSI) project. Drawing conclusions about the effectiveness of the SSI project. Alternatively, discussion and conclusions about the connections and relations between SSMP and SSI. Creation of mental maps about the SSI and SSAP. Certificates ceremony Farewell |
Cost and services
400 Euros. Includes only tuition fee
Contact:
Dimitrios Kalaitzidis
Sessions
- 2024-4-29 to 2024-5-3
- 2024-9-2 to 2024-9-6
- 2024-12-9 to 2024-12-13
- 2025-3-24 to 2025-3-28
Registration
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfksCQ_0QvW2BimFu3Q3WaYDOdHn30rMNihA8tUTMJEKSSUxA/viewform