Abstract

The study sought to investigate curriculum issues, teaching and learning for sustainable development in secondary schools in Zimbabwe. Education for sustainable development (ESD) aims at changing the approach to education by integrating principles, values, practices and needs in all forms of learning. Literature has documented the importance of problem solving, ecologically relevant education, project based and interactive education as the basis for sustainable development. Emphasis has also been placed upon the pedagogical and curriculum issues in support of sustainable teaching and learning in developing countries. The methodology employed included literature search, documentary analysis, questionnaires, interviews and observation. The study was based on two urban and two rural secondary schools. The results revealed that some schools followed a seriously integrated curriculum where academic work was integrated with industry based education or learning, while others followed a purely academic curriculum. Results showed that pursuing an academic curriculum led to relevant careers though unemployment was high due to the lack of skills. The high rate of employment of those pursuing integrated curriculum appeared to be a motivator. The study concluded that an integrated curriculum and education was more beneficial for sustainable development and entrepreneurship. Further research is required on the curriculum and strategies for education/industry integration for sustainable development and challenges schools face in trying to implement ESD.

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