In today's world, where the climate crisis and biodiversity loss are becoming increasingly critical, integrating green skills into education is vital. Teachers have the unique opportunity to equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to tackle the environmental challenges of the future. This task goes beyond just education—it’s about instilling hope and showing that meaningful change is truly achievable. In the latest edition of the course "Green Skills for Education: Fostering Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Practices in the Classroom" held in Tenerife from 08/09/2024-14/09/2024, participants from across Europe gathered to explore how to incorporate sustainability into the classroom. Among the attendees were Adrianna Karow from Szkoła Podstawowa nr 2 im. Adama Mickiewicza w Drawsku Pomorskim, Poland; Valentina Buccoliere and Lucia Giuffreda from IIS PIETRO SCALCERLE, Italy; and Nele Jochimsen from Paritätisches Bildungswerk Landesverband Thüringen e.V., Germany. We laid the foundation for the week by brainstorming and defining the terms 'green skills' and 'sustainability,' seeking to understand their importance in today’s context. Following this, we dedicated a session to the concept of greenwashing—an eye-opening exploration of how prevalent this practice is. We conducted our own investigations, comparing ethical brands with those engaging in "greenwashed" marketing back in our home countries. As the course unfolded, we 'planted the seeds' of knowledge by diving into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reading and engaging in vibrant discussions. Each participant explored the goals independently, gaining insights into the specific targets and indicators within each one.
As we saw our knowledge flourish, we didn't just sit and listen; we engaged in hands-on activities and interactive games that challenged us to reflect on our own needs, wants, habits, and lifestyle choices. From small daily actions to larger lifestyle changes, we learned that every decision plays a role in shaping a more sustainable future. We didn’t confine our learning to the classroom—we took it outdoors to a nearby park, immersing ourselves in nature and discovering ways to incorporate outdoor experiences into education. To fully nurture our green skills, we sharpened our critical thinking abilities and explored the power of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in cultivating environmental awareness. Through problem-solving exercises and real-world case studies, we analyzed complex environmental issues from multiple perspectives and developed creative, innovative solutions. PBL gave us a framework for collaborative learning and hands-on exploration, empowering us to face environmental challenges with resilience and ingenuity. Looking back on the course, we depart with a vibrant bouquet of new knowledge and a sense of accomplishment. |
Welcome to the ELA Blog. Here you will find articles and photos of our courses and have a look at the topics addressed during the week in Bologna, Palermo and Tenerife. You will also have the chance to take a peek at our projects and check out what we have been up to.
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