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Introduction

Academic Essay 'We need a new environmental consciousness on a global basis. To do this, we need to educate people.' Mikhail Gorbachev The most original definition of sustainable development is accredited to the Brundtland Commission (1987) which defines it as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987). This definition recognises the importance of growth and the long term impact on future generations. People around the world recognise that current economic development trends are not sustainable and that public awareness, education, and training are essential in moving society toward sustainability. The world's population is currently estimated at almost seven billion people (U.S Census Bureau, 2011). By the year 2050, it is predicted that there will be between 7.5 and 10.5 billion more people on earth than there is today. Therefore the importance of sustainable development and living sustainably cannot be ignored. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the concept of sustainable development through an analysis of the report 'Educating for a Sustainable Future'. The report will then outline the use of the Development Compass Rose and the effectiveness of two strategies in educating children on sustainable development. ...read more.

Middle

Figure 1: The Development Compass Rose The diagonal points on the compass illustrate the relationship between the four main points. For example, NE directs children to question how economic factors impact on the natural environment; SE raises the relationship between economic factors and how such factors affect people socially (Ubuntu Network, 2007). The development compass role is used by schools to pose a range of questions for discussion about a locality, photograph or artefact representing that locality. In order to make the children aware of what sustainability means in the school and home environments, the author would use the strategies of active participation, talk and discussion and environment-based learning. The author would enable the children to ascertain for themselves what sustainability means through a guided discovery approach. The children will explore the impact they have on the environment and how they can live sustainably for the future. The author would divide the class into groups of six and request each group to compile a 'sustainable living sourcebook' (Oxfam). Collaborative learning instils confidence in pupils who find whole class participation overwhelming and secondly it supports pupils with learning needs (PPDS, 2010a). Collaborative interpretation also produces greater understanding than a solo effort alone. ...read more.

Conclusion

When the children have completed their estimations, the author will then show them the actual amounts that each party receives. According to Smith and Mac Gregor (1992), collaborative learning is effective as it focuses on students' investigation and application of the subject material to enhance learning. Through talk and discussion, the author will encourage the children to discuss the differences in the amounts and question the issue of fair trade. To conclude it is clear that in order for sustainable development to be actively embraced, education and people awareness are essential in achieving this. From the report, Educating for a Sustainable Future, the importance of teaching sustainability through focusing on local issues and real life examples was emphasised. The classroom strategies described in the essay also support this. On a grand scale in order to make an impact, sustainable development needs to be managed and implemented by countries collectively working together on a global scale and mutually agreeing targets of achievement. Finally policies that are agreed also need be implemented and it is important that such initiatives are continually assessed to identify if they are actually making an impact. At a classroom level, sustainability should be incorporated into all lessons and practices where appropriate so that sustainable living becomes a way of living rather than a subject to learn. ...read more.

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