Learning for Sustainability: Connecting Classrooms

Published 26/06/2017.  Last updated 29/02/2024

Scotland is unique internationally in requiring that all learners should have an entitlement to learning for sustainability (LfS) and that all teachers and education professionals address Learning for Sustainability in their practice.

The Learning for Sustainability: Connecting Classrooms programme is a timely opportunity for teachers to grapple with what Learning for Sustainability means, what existing and new pedagogies are required to develop critical thinking and problem solving and citizenship skills, and to consider how this can be embedded into their school context. This professional learning programme has been developed drawing on the British Council’s ‘Core Skills’ materials while connecting directly with Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence.

The programme is delivered through a partnership between University of Edinburgh, Learning for Sustainability Scotland and the British Council.

'Learning for Sustainability: Connecting Classrooms' is framed by four learning outcomes that assume that participants will:

  • In the context of the British Council ‘Core Skills’, reflect critically on the process of developing the skills and dispositions required of teachers and learners related to Learning for Sustainability.
  • Critically consider the nature of teaching and learning within the context of Learning for Sustainability which includes Sustainable Development Education, Outdoor Learning and Global Learning.
  • Apply in practice, and reflect upon the impact of, the identified ‘Core Skills’ within the principles and practices of and approaches to Learning for Sustainability.
  • Work together towards the development of a Learning for Sustainability professional network for practitioners to support teacher learning and practice in Learning for Sustainability.

Participating in this programme results in the development of skills in critical reflection, inquiry, the use of research, pedagogy and in teacher leadership.

Teachers successfully completing the course are invited to form or build on existing professional partnerships with teachers in other participating countries and are eligible  to apply for a grant of £3,000 to fund a week-long overseas study visit.

'Learning for Sustainability: Connecting Classrooms' is free of charge for teacher leaders at all stages in the state sector. Its focus is on the development of the skills, qualities and professional actions expected of teacher leaders, in line with the Scottish College for Educational Leadership (SCEL) Framework.

Teachers engage over a ten-week course which includes two day-long participative face to face sessions at the beginning and at the end, supported by fortnightly inputs from online materials. An additional 10 months is allocated for self-directed continued professional development and online collaboration leading to achievement of GTCS Professional Recognition.

For further course information please contact Betsy King, Learning for Sustainability Scotland (betsyking@lfsscotland.org).

Further information about British Council Professional Partnerships can be found at https://schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org/about-programmes/connecting-classrooms/find-partner 
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Learning for Sustainability: Connecting Classrooms

Published 26/06/2017.  Last updated 29/02/2024

Scotland is unique internationally in requiring that all learners should have an entitlement to learning for sustainability (LfS) and that all teachers and education professionals address Learning for Sustainability in their practice.

The Learning for Sustainability: Connecting Classrooms programme is a timely opportunity for teachers to grapple with what Learning for Sustainability means, what existing and new pedagogies are required to develop critical thinking and problem solving and citizenship skills, and to consider how this can be embedded into their school context. This professional learning programme has been developed drawing on the British Council’s ‘Core Skills’ materials while connecting directly with Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence.

The programme is delivered through a partnership between University of Edinburgh, Learning for Sustainability Scotland and the British Council.

'Learning for Sustainability: Connecting Classrooms' is framed by four learning outcomes that assume that participants will:

  • In the context of the British Council ‘Core Skills’, reflect critically on the process of developing the skills and dispositions required of teachers and learners related to Learning for Sustainability.
  • Critically consider the nature of teaching and learning within the context of Learning for Sustainability which includes Sustainable Development Education, Outdoor Learning and Global Learning.
  • Apply in practice, and reflect upon the impact of, the identified ‘Core Skills’ within the principles and practices of and approaches to Learning for Sustainability.
  • Work together towards the development of a Learning for Sustainability professional network for practitioners to support teacher learning and practice in Learning for Sustainability.

Participating in this programme results in the development of skills in critical reflection, inquiry, the use of research, pedagogy and in teacher leadership.

Teachers successfully completing the course are invited to form or build on existing professional partnerships with teachers in other participating countries and are eligible  to apply for a grant of £3,000 to fund a week-long overseas study visit.

'Learning for Sustainability: Connecting Classrooms' is free of charge for teacher leaders at all stages in the state sector. Its focus is on the development of the skills, qualities and professional actions expected of teacher leaders, in line with the Scottish College for Educational Leadership (SCEL) Framework.

Teachers engage over a ten-week course which includes two day-long participative face to face sessions at the beginning and at the end, supported by fortnightly inputs from online materials. An additional 10 months is allocated for self-directed continued professional development and online collaboration leading to achievement of GTCS Professional Recognition.

For further course information please contact Betsy King, Learning for Sustainability Scotland (betsyking@lfsscotland.org).

Further information about British Council Professional Partnerships can be found at https://schoolsonline.britishcouncil.org/about-programmes/connecting-classrooms/find-partner 
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