Skills; Knowledge; Attitudes; Essential Questions

What are the skills, knowledge, attitudes and values of Education for Sustainability? These are some of the important components as identified and agreed upon by numerous teachers and educational experts.

SE Skills

• Communicating effectively
• Thinking in systems
• Forecasting and planning
• Thinking critically re: value issues
• Separating number, quantity, quality & value
• Moving from awareness to action
• Working cooperatively
• Using processes

SE Knowledge

• Earth is a finite system
• Natural resources support living organisms, including humans
• Political, economic, environmental and social issues are interconnected
• Science and technology play major roles in the development of societies
• Governments, businesses, NGOs and the public can plan, make policy and take action toward sustainability

SE Attitudes & Values

• Appreciation of the resilience, fragility and beauty of nature and the interdependence of all life forms
• Sense of self-worth and rootedness in one’s own culture and community
• Respect for other cultures and recognition of the interdependence of the human community
• Global perspective
• Commitment to human rights
• Sense of hope and a positive perspective on the future

SE Essential Questions

• How do I connect to the Earth? What is my purpose as a human being?
• What are the connections between our economic choices and a sustainable future?
• Where do things come from?
• Will our natural resources, along with technology, sustain us in the future?
• How is biodiversity important to me, to others in different places, and in future times? Why?