Enhancing sustainable energy education in secondary schools : a resource pack for educators

Abstract

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is one of the six cross-curricula themes presented in the National Curriculum Framework of 2012. This should be achieved by active participation of all the stakeholders involved. However, there is lack of resource material for this subject with the result that every teacher tries to formulate his or her own notes. This could allow certain misconceptions to be relayed to students as absolute truths if educators are not properly trained in this subject. This dissertation aims at providing educational material that can be used by educators as a resource for sustainable energy education. The work is based on published scientific evidence that is mostly applicable to Malta as well as on the knowledge acquired during this M.Sc. study course. The innovation lies not only in the relevance to the Maltese context but also in the provision of user-friendly materials that can be easily adapted by the educators. This dissertation is divided into five major chapters. The first chapter gives a brief introduction to Education for Sustainable Development, its advantages, challenges, perception and its implementation. Chapter 2 focusses on the curriculum of Maltese schools and how educators and those in management position look at it. The content of the Resource Pack is found in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 gives an evaluation of the Resource Pack based on the reactions of educators and how the material helped the educators and their students. This led to a joined action where the educators and students suggested improvements in their school’s energy performance. Finally, Chapter 5 contains a summary and relevant recommendations for future work. The Resource Pack consists of eight lessons focused on the Physics theme “On the Move” and another two lessons focused on innovative, renewable energy technologies and systems. A CD with the relevant slides, videos and links required for each lesson and activity listed is accompanying the Resource Pack. The topics follow the syllabi provided by the Matriculation and Secondary Education Certificate SEC Syllabi of the year 2019.