Education for sustainable development: Liberation or indoctrination? An assessment of faculty members' attitudes and classroom practices

Ahmad Mohammad Qablan, Jamal Abu Al-Ruz, Samer Khasawneh, Aieman Al-Omari

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes and classroom practices of environmental science faculty members in Jordanian universities. Mix data collection methodology was employed to collect data in this study. In addition to the developed survey, several participants' interviews and classroom observations were conducted with selected participants. The results of this study indicated that environmental science faculty exhibited a moderate level of attitudes toward ESD. Although they demonstrated a strong preference for pedagogical approaches that were contrary to the basic tenets of indoctrination, they used teaching practices that hinged on indoctrination. The study suggested following several safeguards practices against indoctrination when adopting a committed approach to ESD. Another suggestion was for universities to offer special training courses and workshops for faculty members to enhance their pedagogical knowledge. In addition, the study suggested that universities encourage building learning communities between faculty members to advance their awareness, attitudes, and pedagogical knowledge that relate to ESD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)401-417
Number of pages17
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental and Science Education
Volume4
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Education
  • Environment
  • Indoctrination
  • Liberation
  • Pedagogy
  • Sustainable development

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • General Environmental Science
  • General Engineering

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