Title: Educating for sustainability: a pilot study in an elementary school in rural Nepal

Authors: Brenda Bushell, Ryoko Iwamura, Momoko Ozawa, Masayuki Goto

Addresses: University of the Sacred Heart, 4-3-1 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-8938, Japan. ' Tokyo City University, 3-3-1 Ushikubo, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama, 224-0015, Japan. ' University of the Sacred Heart, 4-3-1 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-8938, Japan. ' Waseda University, 3-4-1 Ohkubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan

Abstract: This paper describes a small pilot study conducted to 43 eighth-grade students from one elementary school in rural Nepal. While exposed to class lectures about sustainability, the children have few opportunities to engage in activities for sustainability outside the classroom. Therefore, the research targets education for sustainability, incorporating participatory learning on issues that are pertinent to their society|s sustainable development. Findings from this study show that not only the children|s knowledge and awareness on sustainability improved, but their capacities to think critically, reflect and envision change towards sustainability in their community were enhanced. Results from this research suggest that exposure to real issues in the community through educational activities can help ensure that the next generation is aware and equipped to carry out sustainable practices.

Keywords: sustainable development; Nepal; sustainability education; student-centred learning; student leadership; collaboration; environmental education; elementary schools; primary education; rural areas.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2011.038877

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2011 Vol.12 No.1, pp.12 - 23

Published online: 23 Sep 2014 *

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