Background
In the summer of 2023, environmental and climate issues were integrated into the educational objectives of upper secondary schools, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinarity and professional collaboration as key methods to achieve this goal. However, the upper secondary school sector remains in an exploratory phase regarding concrete didactic solutions.
Purpose of the Project
This research project explores professional collaboration and Anthropocene education in both theoretical teacher training and upper secondary schools. It builds on a new program developed for teacher training, where candidates work across disciplines and on project-based assignments in various teaching spaces within the city of Odense. The aim is to analyze and develop teaching practices that foster a deeper understanding of environmental and climate changes in line with the updated educational objectives of upper secondary schools.
Research Questions
- How can professional collaboration and Anthropocene education be made meaningful for teacher trainees and upper secondary school students, including through the use of alternative teaching methods and spaces?
- What forms of resistance arise against these approaches, and how can they be constructively integrated into teaching?
- How can interdisciplinary programs within various subjects support Anthropocene education, and what opportunities and barriers exist?
- How can experiences from this program contribute to the development of didactic strategies in upper secondary schools to address the new educational objectives?
Methodology
The project is conducted as a qualitative study, where three groups of teacher trainees are followed in their work with professional collaboration and Anthropocene education. The trainees will test interdisciplinary teaching programs in upper secondary schools, involving students as co-researchers. Data will be collected through observations, photo documentation, and analysis of teaching materials and student responses.
Results and Dissemination
The project will deliver:
- Feedback to improve teacher training programs.
- Dissemination to the upper secondary school sector through workshops, presentations, and podcasts.
- Articles on the opportunities and barriers of professional collaboration and Anthropocene education.
- Insights into the connection between theoretical teacher training and practice, as well as between general didactics and subject-specific didactics.
- Knowledge about organizational prerequisites for the success of these approaches.
About the Research Project
The project is led by Michael Paulsen (SDU, CUHRE), Ulf Berthelsen (AU), and Morten Ziethen (AUU), in close collaboration with the upper secondary school sector and teacher trainees. Together, they aim to lay the foundation for a new, sustainable approach to teaching and education in upper secondary schools.
This initiative seeks to inspire and renew the work of upper secondary schools with environmental, climate, and interdisciplinary education, thereby making a significant contribution to the educational practices of the future.