유아교사의 지속가능발전지향 환경교육 실행 방안 탐색

Abstract

This study aims to explore how early childhood teachers implement sustainable development- oriented environmental education in kindergartens and childcare centers. Data were collected through semistructured in-depth interviews with 10 early childhood teachers who had attended at least one environmental education training related to sustainable development and consistently practiced sustainable development-oriented environmental education in their classrooms for at least 10 months. The study’s findings revealed that the teachers engaged in meaningful interactions with the students to sensitize them to their responsibilities and roles in environmental issues by capturing their daily inconveniences and constraints and encourage improvement. They also attempted to implement environmental education following the principles of sustainable development by organizing the play environment and using eco-friendly materials. Moreover, they tried various teaching and learning materials and activities to keep children interested and engaged. Finally, the teachers worked with the children’s families and community members to create a practical and meaningful environment in which the children could learn about their responsibilities and roles in promoting sustainable development as citizens. The study’s findings, which examined implementation experiences from the perspective of early childhood teachers, are significant because they provide useful information for teacher support.