Professional competencies in Education for Sustainability: an exploratory study of student teachers’ views

Abstract

The research presented in this paper is based on an exploratory study on the views of a group of future primary education teachers in Education for Sustainability from a competence standpoint. First, we redefine a conceptual framework of professional competencies of teachers in Education for Sustainability. This framework is based on the competence conceptualisation, the role as trainer, generic competencies and professional development on Education for Sustainability. In turn this competencies framework guides the exploration of the student teachers’ views, which corresponds to the second objective of this research. The research instrument used is a questionnaire. A group of thirty-two third-year students on the Bachelor of Primary Education responded to our questionnaire, the analysis of which was qualitative. The findings indicate that student teachers, the participants in this study, emphasise values clarification, decision-making, participation and action for change, however they discount envisioning future scenarios, critical thinking, interdisciplinary dialogue and the management of emotions, essential professional competencies in Education for Sustainability. The findings of this study can guide the design of educational strategies and assessment tools to improve teacher training in the field of professional competencies in Education for Sustainability.