“Sustainable Development -a Point of Concern for Directorate of Professional Development Khyber Pakhtunkhwa”

Abstract

Education for sustainable development (ESD) provides crucial opportunities for each individual to change his/her knowledge, skills, values and attitude to make inform decisions about the complex issues of sustainability. ESD is an interdisciplinary and student-centered approach that enhances an individual pro-sustainability agenda in their organization and personal life. This study investigated in-service primary school teachers’ knowledge of ESD. A quantitative research methodology was used. All the primary school teachers of district Malakand, Charsadda, Kohat and Haripur constitute the population of the study. Sample of the study comprised of 400 teachers from four districts of KP using proportionate convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through a literacy test based on 18 true/false statements. The data were analysed with the help of SPSS 21 using percentage, frequency, independent t-test and ANOVA. Findings of the study showed that most of the teachers had poor to mediocre level of knowledge about the three basic pillars of SD and their interrelationships. Similarly, a large number of teachers hold misconceptions about ESD as half of the teachers do not consider a culture of peace, humans’ rights and equity, and culture diversities as essential elements of ESD. The result of the study revealed that the participants of the study have a relatively low level of knowledge of sustainability. They have an unclear perception of what SD is about.