Between Hope and Despair: Holistic and Interdisciplinary Climate Change Education for Teacher Trainees

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

Abstract

This mixed-methods study examines an interdisciplinary, mandatory online course—Climate Change and Education Here and Now—offered to 100 second-career students training for K–12 teaching certificates. The asynchronous course addresses climate change through historical, political, and cultural lenses and explores related psychological responses. Students engage in both mandatory and elective units and produce a lesson plan as a final product. Data includes qualitative analysis of student work, and quantitative analysis of participation. Findings show that interdisciplinary content and choice-based learning increase engagement and motivation. Challenges include gaps in student knowledge due to electives and difficulty among kindergarten teachers in applying course content. Still, the course fosters peer communication and creative use of digital tools for climate-action-oriented teaching.

Authors

• Netta Baryosef-Paz, Kibbutzim College

• Dafna Gan, The Open University of Israel