Education

United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development.

'...to integrate the principles, values, and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning. This educational effort will encourage changes in behaviour that will create a more sustainable future in terms of environmental integrity, economic viability, and a just society for present and future generations.'

The education system is changing to incorporate sustainable development, this will encourage future generations to think of their own and others impact upon their environment. Not only will education emphasise the fear of global warming which we can not escape being told but also on the greater impact of our every day living e.g. the life of our co cola cans.

Education for sustainable development enables pupils to develop the knowledge, skills, understanding and values to participate in decisions about the way we do things individually and collectively, both locally and globally, that will improve the quality of life now without damaging the planet for the future. There are opportunities for pupils to develop their understanding of sustainable development within the school curriculum, in particular their work in geography, science, PSHE and citizenship. (National Curriculum, 1999)

However like many of my peers i had only really touched on the subject of sustainable development within geography lessons. But sustainability is such a vast subject which can be integrated into all parts of our life, I feel that it should also be integrated into all parts of the education system, not just to memorising facts within geography lessons. An example of this could be within the Art classrooms. As i remember throwing away many materials without thought other than card which typically went into the recycling bin. As sustainability is not only about resources it would have probably save my family and school a great amount of money if i had been more resourceful with my projects. (Which after marking usually went into the bin.)


With sustainable development now within the curriculum for key stage 3 and 4 within geography has posed a problem for teachers, as they are unaware how to start. While witching teachers TV it demonstrates fun and encouraging ways to incorporate thinking about sustainability not only within geography lessons but within other subjects such as Design Technology where the main thought is to resources.


By using this technique it takes the stereotypical idea of designing an 'Eco-friendly' house to everyday situations from the food we eat to the transport we used to get to school. Not only will this develop the children's knowledge of sustainable living but also their families as children wish to share the knowledge they learn with everyone around them!!!!


This module has not only provided me with a greater knowledge of sustainability but also developed a variety of skills. As until this course i had never had to take part in a formal debate, write a blog or use a video camera. The skills from this unit will be transferable and useful to future modules.



References
https://webmail.northampton.ac.uk/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID=27234%26URL_DO=DO_TOPIC%26URL_SECTION=201.htmlHaigh, M., (2005), Geography and the 'European Year of Citizenship through Education. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 29, 173-182.

Mr Martin Selman, (2007), Design and Technology- sustainability:making a start [online], Teachers TV, Avalible, http://www.teachers.tv/video/3305 [Accessed 18 Febuary 2009]

Programmes of study and attainment targets, (1999), Education for Sustainable Development, [online], National Curriculum, Avalible, http://curriculum.qca.org.uk/key-stages-1-and-2/learning-across-the-curriculum/education-for-sustainable-development/index.aspx?return=/search/index.aspx%3FfldSiteSearch%3Dsustainable+development, [Accessed 18 Febuary 2009]

Our Time

Currently there is an economic CRISIS!!! We all know it as there is no avoiding the constant chatter and new about it. So does this mean that this crisis can be positive for sustainable development?

Well here is some facts and figures about it: with unemployment rising to 1.97million between October and December it is the highest level since 1997. For January, the number of those getting job seeker's allowance added 73,800 to reach 1.23 million.
The unemployment rate hit 6.3%, the highest since 1998, and comes as The Bank of England recently warned of a "deep recession" for 2009. Continually on the radio and TV they are giving advice for those who are unemployed to seek out Citizens advice, who are pitching for those out of work to take part in voluntary work and education. One video that demonstrates a person facing the down fall is on http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7882745.stm.

My view of this is mixed. Firstly it could be positive as with a reduction of income for families, living costs will be cut to what is within the necessary needs. Meaning that there is less consumption.

However can this really change a persons' living habits? As to me when going past the large retail shops such as DFS and Curries the car parks are still full. The towns are still buzzing with people spending. To me despite shop closer and a cut in jobs those that have not been hit are splashing out using what money they have without a care. People will continue to see the HUGE red sale signs in the window and take advantage of a "deal".

Though there will be an increase in reuse of products, such as greater second hand car sales. This can only be seen as a positive out look of what is though of as such a bad time.

So will people cut down or live for today? To me those that are really hit with loss of jobs will have no choice while others continue to spend and consume outside of their needs.

But after this period and life picks up it can not be predicted as to if the population will learn from this mistake of human greed or cut down to the essentials. I hope that this situation will bring about change for the better, with people living within their means.

Reference
BBC News, (2009), UK Job loss total at 1.97 million, BBC News, Available,
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7882745.stm [Accessed 16.02.09]