The intersection of environmental and sustainability education, and character education: An instrumental case study

Abstract

Although fostering values is promoted within environmental and sustainability education (ESE) and a shift in values seen as essential for a sustainable future, recent international findings indicate this aspect of ESE is being neglected (UNESCO, 2019). Previous research has shown there to be common ground between ESE and the field of character education (CE), a form of values education. Bringing together these two strands of theory and practice has the potential to be fruitful in terms of strengthening current, and introducing new, practices in both fields, particularly through drawing on existing evidence-based strategies within CE to inform ESE. While there has been some work in this regard, this has been almost exclusively theoretical and there has been little research regarding the practice of such integration. This paper details an instrumental case study exploring an existing case of where ESE and CE come together in practice. A study was conducted at a Scottish, independent, all- ages, holistic education-oriented school, exploring how ESE is carried out. Data were gathered via teacher interviews, school observations, field notes, and document analysis. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: the school as a sustainable organism; holistic learning; fostering a connectedness with nature; and nurturing the whole person. The data were then analysed from a CE perspective revealing multiple points of ESE-CE intersection e.g. school climate/ethos, role-modelling, and service-learning. The findings reveal commonalities between ESE and CE and provide examples of integrated ESE-CE practice, demonstrating potential for collaboration or shared ESE-CE practice. Avenues for further research are suggested