Sustainability consciousness of pre-service teachers in Pakistan. Issue 7 (6th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kalsoom, Qudsia; Khanam, Afifa; Quraishi, Uzma
• Is Part Of: International journal of sustainability in higher education. Volume 18:Issue 7(2017)
• Page Start: 1090
• Page End: 1107
• Publication Date: 2017-11-06
• Subjects: Higher education -- Teacher education -- Education for sustainable development -- Sustainable development -- Sustainability consciousness; Environmental education -- Periodicals; Environmental responsibility -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; 333.70711
• DOI: 10.1108/IJSHE-11-2016-0218
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1467-6370

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to draw attention towards sustainability consciousness (SC) of pre-service teachers (student teachers) as their role is central in teaching for sustainable development. This paper investigated SC of the pre-service teachers in Pakistan and compared it with other undergraduate students in the country and with that of Swedish upper secondary students. Design/methodology/approach: The paper used survey method using a tool developed by a group of Canadian researchers to measure knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards sustainable development. The instrument was later adapted by a group of Swedish researchers to measure SC. Study data came from 207 pre-service teachers and 154 undergraduate students studying humanities. Findings: The paper reports that SC of the pre-service teachers in Pakistan is much lower than that of Swedish upper secondary students. Moreover, the paper indicates that the SC of pre-service teachers is not different from other undergraduate students in the country. Practical implications: This paper establishes a baseline of SC of the final-year pre-service teachers enrolled in BEd (Honours) programme in Pakistan. Such a study is critical in the context when ESD is a missing element in teacher education in Pakistan. In the presence of such a baseline study, teacher education institutes and departments might review their curricula in terms of their focus on ESD and plan for initiatives to educate pre-service teachers for sustainability. Originality/value: The paper contributes to a broader debate on measuring SC of university students.