A National Environmental and Sustainability Education e-Course: Critically Modeling Virtual Place-Based Learning in Teacher Education

• In Event: Instructional Practices and Curriculum Centering Climate, Community, and Sustainability

Abstract

Globally, we face severe environmental and social justice challenges. Teacher education has an important role in helping communities transition to more sustainable ways of being.The authors report on a national ESE e-course for teacher candidates, a voluntary, collaborative initiative between academics, community organizations, and practicing teachers through participatory, place-based and locally-relevant virtual learning. The course culminates with the presentation of an environmental inquiry project designed by participants. Using a socio-critical lens, we draw on survey data, learning products and communications to report potential improvements and perceived successes. We embody an action research stance through our own practice so that this may serve as a model to other jurisdictions for teacher candidates and practicing teachers in online ESE.

Authors

• Erin R. Sperling, University of Toronto
  Presenting Author

• Hilary J. Inwood, University of Toronto - OISE
  Presenting Author

• Paul Elliott, Trent University
  Presenting Author

• Laura Sims, Université de St. Boniface
  Presenting Author