Comprehensive Teacher Training for Environmental Sustainability Education: Fostering Ecohumanism and Holism Through Art and Literature

• In Event: Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual iPresentation Only: SIG-Environmental Education Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

Our study explores an interdisciplinary course within a master’s program in Visual Arts, co-taught by an environmental educator and a literary scholar. The course integrates literature, visual arts, music, environment, and society, employing eco-humanistic and holistic educational principles. The research aim was to explore how combining art and sustainability equips learners with tools for coping with the environmental crisis. We examined how the course’s structure, educational approaches, and learning settings are evident in the 24 students’ products (i.e. drawings, writing, art work, and final project) using qualitative methods. Findings indicate that ecohumanism and holism enhanced students’ creativity and understanding of climate change and social justice, highlighting the effective integration of Sciences and Arts environmental teacher education amid the climate crisis.

Authors

• Netta Baryosef-Paz, Kibbutzim College

• Dafna Gan, The Open University of Israel