Integrating education for sustainable development through physical education : a resource pack for Xrobb l-Għaġin

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on bringing together areas taught within the Physical Education (PE) school subject and concepts which make up the cross-curricular subject of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). ESD and PE integration has not yet been studied locally. Since ESD is not a specific school subject, one of the venues in which students presently carry out environmental field work, Xrobb l-Għaġin Park, was used as the site for the integration of both areas. Xrobb l-Għaġin is currently run by the NGO, Nature Trust Malta. Students from different schools participate in ESD programs held at the centre to raise awareness about environmental issues and protection. The main aim of this study was to produce an educational resource pack with activities that integrate ESD with PE, to be utilized by the staff at Xrobb l-Għaġin Park. On-site reflection and planning of the activities were conducted to elevate the project’s potential. Following this, pilot studies of the activities were conducted with students visiting the site. An analysis of the activities was carried out through the integration of my ideas and thoughts with those of the adults and students involved in the activities, to gather feedback on the quality, methodologies and management of these innovative activities. Finally, the necessary changes to the activities were made according to the feedback gathered, so as to increase their effectiveness, educational value and practicality. The positive feedback received indicated that the activities were considered as an effective educational tool since they are student-friendly, highly interactive and life-related.