Assessing Education for Sustainability: Challenges and Recommendations for Enhancing Environmental Education Programs in Primary Schools


  •  Evmorfia Manouilidou    
  •  Eleni A. Papadopoulou    
  •  Vasillis Tsiantos    

Abstract

The study examines the implementation of Environmental Education (EE) programs in primary education during 2023-2024. The purpose of this study is to explore the scope of the application of environmental education programs through the implementation of corresponding programs as well as their key characteristics. The methodology includes the collection of a large volume of data through emails and interviews, an approach related to the principles of Big Data. Data were gathered from 92 emails received from two elementary schools, which included information regarding the implementation of EE programs. Additionally, interviews were conducted as a source of qualitative data with EE Coordinators from five different regions, enriching the quantity of data collected through the emails. The results indicate that there are serious deficiencies in funding and support from the Primary Education Directorate, which limits the implementation and quality of the programs. The EE Coordinators recognize the importance of EE for the development of environmental awareness, but emphasize the need for better organization, training, and strengthening of student participation. Ultimately, the collection of data from two sources created a knowledge network, where information was interconnected and analyzed as a whole.



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