Promoting Sustainable Practices and Environmental Awareness in Schools

The deterioration of our planet is undeniable and every year it gets worse. As individuals, we can help improve the world for future generations. It is crucial that each of us becomes aware of the actions we can take to improve our lifestyle. With this in mind, a course has been created for teachers to learn, discuss ideas and challenges, and engage their students in environmental awareness and the development of ecological skills.
​The course, entitled "Green comp​etences for Education: Promoting Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Actions in Class", was held in Tenerife from 19/05/2024 to25/05/2024. Participants came from all over Europe: Jennifer, Thomas and Leonard from Sekundarschule Horn – Bad Meinberg in Germany, Verena from Evangelisches Gymnasium Bad Marienberg in Germany, Anita and Taťána from Základní škola a gymnázium Heřmánek in Czech Republic.
The week began with discussions on definitions of environmental terms, such as sustainability and greenwashing. Although the phenomenon is complex, giving a clear definition of some terms can be relatively difficult, since it depends on individual perception. The discussions helped to understand the level of environmental knowledge of each participant and to share views on various related topics.
Subsequently, participants explored the Sustainable Development Goals through games. These tools help students understand global challenges and develop a sense of purpose and commitment to achieving these goals.
Through hands-on activities and simulations, teachers discovered innovative ways to engage students on ecological topics such as global warming, carbon footprint and sustainable food consumption. Non-formal and experiential learning approaches have been emphasized to promote critical thinking and reflection.
And finally, we focused on empowering teachers to lead by example and develop personal and classroom action plans for a green transition using Project-based learning. By planning and implementing sustainable practices, educators can inspire students to embrace sustainability and actively contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
During this week, teachers not only drew inspiration and practical strategies, but also created a network of like-minded professionals dedicated to creating positive change. Together, they will now jump on a journey to transform education and promote a sustainable mindset that will shape our societies in the years to come.
Learn more about this corse here.