Teaching Biodiversity: Towards a Sustainable and Engaged Education

Abstract

The preservation of biodiversity has become a major concern in contemporary society. It is essential to understand teachers’ representations of biodiversity to effectively guide educational efforts because of the significant role of education in raising awareness and promoting sustainable behavior. Through a survey of a sample of 118 teachers, we adopted a mixed-method approach combining both a closed questionnaire and interviews. We used these methods to explore teachers’ representations of the concept of biodiversity as an integral part of the school curriculum, as well as to gather their views on certain features of its teaching. The results state that the majority of teachers perceive biodiversity as a whole and in its most complex relationships. During their professional experience, they have developed a biocentric and anthropocentric conception of biodiversity. This study provides valuable information to guide future pedagogical practices and educational policies in sustainable education.

The IAFOR International Conference on Education – Hawaii 2024 Official Conference Proceedings

“…Another research in Turkey looked at pre-service science teachers' perceptions on biodiversity and how it relates to environmental sustainability. Taking these studies as a whole, it is clear that pre-service teacher education programs must be improved in order to prepare future teachers to address biodiversity concerns in educational contexts (Id Babou et al, 2023). Essentially, pre-service teacher preparation plays a crucial part in preparing future teachers to act as change agents in society, advancing sustainability and biodiversity preservation.…”

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Local Self-Government: Approaches and Strategies for Sustainable Education

“…By providing opportunities for all groups in society, SED helps to reduce the knowledge gap and promote the holistic development and inclusive growth of society. This philosophy holds that education is an essential driving force for social progress and sustainable development (Babou, Selmaoui, Alami, Benjelloun, & Zaki, 2023), not only for the development of the individual but also for the prosperity of the whole society. SED sees education as a continuous adaptation and innovation process, providing individuals and societies a way to remain competitive and promote holistic development in a changing world (Baltador & Grecu, 2023).…”

Exploring Student Representations of Biodiversity in Science Education in Morocco: A Didactic Perspective

“…However, current research on concepts and representations of biodiversity focuses primarily on raising awareness among the general public, undergraduate students, and pre-service teachers (Arbuthnott & Devoe, 2014;Buijs et al, 2008;Dikmenli, 2010;Fiebelkorn & Menzel, 2013;Fischer & Young, 2007;Id Babou et al, 2023;Morón-Monge et al, 2020). In these studies, the adult population is the main target group.…”