International Journal of Education Economics and Development. 4 (2) 2013. http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJEED.2013.055039.
Copyright © Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.
SUSTAINABILITY HUMANISTIC EDUCATION:
A NEW PEDAGOGY FOR A BETTER WORLD
Talia Raphaely and Dora Marinova
Abstract
Sustainability is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity, yet current educational
system perpetuates rather than alleviates the threats. The history of the emerging area of
sustainability education is reviewed, including brief discussion on educational discourses,
namely: humane education, environmental education, ecopedagogy, education for
sustainable development, education for a culture of peace and sustainability, participatory
education and humanistic education. Drawing on their strengths and using examples
related to climate change, sustainability humanistic education is described as an
educational paradigm shift that releases individual potential to participate in a
sustainability revolution. Three case studies showcase practical outcomes of this
educational approach which empowers students to challenge the status quo, reject
dominant practices and rather than assume existing positions in society, take the lead in
creating a better world.
Keywords: sustainability, education, environment, environmental education, pedagogy,
ecopedagogy, humanistic education, sustainability revolution, climate change, educational
discourse, humane education, peace education, sustainable development, case studies,
participatory education, individual empowerment
Talia Raphaely, PhD Candidate
Curtin University Sustainability and Policy Institute (CUSP)
Curtin University of Perth, Australia
Mailing Address: Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, GPO Box
U1987, Perth WA 6845, Australia
Street Address: 3 Pakenham St, Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia, 6160
Phone: +61 8 9266 9030