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This article is dedicated to examining a bilateral project established between South Korea and Türkiye with the overarching objective of elevating awareness and endowing preschool teachers with the capacity to embed education for sustainability within their classroom practices seamlessly. For this purpose, a professional development (PD) program was developed regarding the three pillars of sustainability and the 7R themes. Fourteen preschool teachers attended the PD program. Three teachers participated in this case study to reveal teachers' transformations regarding sustainability and early childhood education for sustainability. The data were collected through pre- and post-follow-up interviews and classroom observations. Thematic content analyses were conducted. According to the results, the PD program enhanced and deepened teachers' sustainability knowledge. In addition, teachers could transfer the knowledge from the PD program on education for sustainability into their practice not entirely but acceptably, and they have a chance to reconsider their lifestyle habits regarding sustainability in many areas.

Teachers' learning leadership is one of important facets to students' quality of independent learning. This should be well constructed by sustainable action and transformational of change. The aims of this research are: 1) to measure how valid and reliable both sustainable action and transformation of change are in the construction of learning leadership model and 2) how learning leadership correlates to independent learning. This is a case study which applies quantitative descriptive method. The data were collected by using a 5-Likert scale questionnaire comprises the indicators of sustainable action, transformation of change and independent learning. This questionnaire was distributed to 59 Elementary teachers of three areas in West Jakarta, Indonesia. The data were analyzed by using SEM PLS and statistical analysis of regression. The findings revealed that both sustainable action and transformational of change were valid and reliable in the construction of learning leadership model. Besides, the analysis of regression showed that learning leadership was significantly correlated to independent learning.

Language learning strategies may have a key role in foreign language learning because they may foster learner autonomy and motivation. Keeping the learner-centred nature of language learning strategies in mind, this study set out to understand the impact of overt listening and reading strategy instruction on learners' listening and reading achievement. The study employed an explanatory mixed-method research design. Research instruments were reading and listening achievement tests and semi-structured interviews. The treatment involved overt listening and reading strategy instruction that lasted for four weeks. The findings revealed that overt listening and reading strategy instruction fostered learners' reading and listening achievement. Similarly, semi-structured interviews revealed that learners were willing to transfer the strategies they learned to new learning situations and keep using these strategies in future learning situations.

Growing human capacities in STEM remain the most practicable way to solving present and future challenges. Improved test score, opportunities to learn, resources and facilities have been recommended in the literature to build capacity and improve achievement for effective and qualitative delivery in STEM classrooms. We focus on the two primary stakeholders in teaching and learning in the university who are students and lecturers. This manuscript explores the causes of underachievement among undergraduates in STEM fields by employing a mixed methods for data collection and analysis among 150 undergraduates and 45 lecturers from six public universities using purposive and quota sampling. Three main research questions were raised on student, lecturer and institution base factors along with perceived hindrances to STEM learning and teaching. Three instruments; Students Factors for Underachievement (SFUA), Lecturers Factor for Underachievement (LFUA) and Lecturers Perceived Factors for Underachievement (LPFU) were employed for data collection through survey and interview. Among other findings, poor prior knowledge among learners, non-utilisation of instructional resources, inaccessibility to library and laboratory and it resources were principal hindrances of undergraduates, lecturers and institution-base factors. The study concluded that efforts and better commitment is required from stakeholders to alleviate the present inadequacies and recommend interventions to remediate areas of need.

This study aims to explore the role of social cohesion, media, higher education, empowerment, and interfaith harmony in good governance of the public universities in Pakistan. Primary data was collected from the public sector universities in Pakistan. Data analysis was conducted by using SPSS and Mplus 8software. Results confirm that social cohesion, media, higher education, empowerment, and interfaith harmony have a significant influence on good governance in public universities in Pakistan. Data was collected from public sector universities in Pakistan. Hence, the findings of this study cannot be generalized to universities in other countries. The inclusion of civil society, social cohesion, media, higher education, empowerment, and interfaith harmony in university structures and functions can resolve issues in the higher education sector. This can be done through building awareness and monitoring university's activities and performance for good governance in higher education sector. The article extends stakeholder theory of corporate governance by inquiring important stakeholders such as civil society and cohesion, media, higher education, gender empowerment and interfaith harmony and their role in improving university governance. Policies can be revised in this context to maximize sustainability by achieving a harmonious balance among these factors. The study also highlights that key variables ensure good corporate governance as per stakeholder's approach in the context of higher education sector. [The pagination cited (p1-25) on the .pdf is incorrect. The correct pagination is p1-22.]

The reinstatement of Pell grant eligibility for incarcerated individuals marks a pivotal moment in the landscape of higher education in prison (HEP) programming in the United States. However, despite this promising development, financial barriers persist, hindering the growth and sustainability of HEP initiatives. This qualitative study delves into the challenges faced by faculty, staff, and administrators within Pennsylvania's colleges and universities as they establish and operate HEP programs amidst an evolving funding environment. Drawing on interviews with nine HEP administrators across the state, we explore obstacles they confront, ranging from the Pell grant funding gap to logistical hurdles such as access to educational materials and technology. Moreover, demographic disparities and security concerns emerge as significant factors impacting the relationship between HEP programs and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC). Our findings extend beyond financial constraints, revealing broader systemic barriers to equitable and accessible HEP programming. We provide potential policy solutions to address these multifaceted challenges and foster a more supportive institutional environment for post-secondary education in Pennsylvania's carceral system.

As a form of implementing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in educational institutions, an appropriate learning model is needed, which also accommodates aspects of spirituality. Before developing a model, baseline data is needed, so a broad-scale or national needs analysis is needed. This research aims to determine the profile of spirituality-based action competence for sustainability (ACS) among prospective biology teacher students throughout Indonesia. This research is a cross-sectional survey. The target respondents are students of LPTK biology education study programs in Indonesia. The target population size is 650 people, so based on the Krejcie and Morgan table, the minimum sample size with a confidence level of 95% and a margin of error of 5% is 620 students. The data collection instrument used in this research is the action competence for sustainability instrument based on spirituality (ACSIS). Data on respondent characteristics were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The mean and standard deviation of scores were calculated for each item. Comparisons of two groups of students were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U Test, while comparisons of more than two groups used the Kruskal-Wallis H Test. We discuss interesting findings in this research, including the aspects of spirituality in ACS among prospective biology teacher in Indonesia.

In 2015, a Member of the Executive Council (MEC) of the Gauteng provincial legislature, South Africa, introduced the "Classroom of the Future" programme in previously disadvantaged schools, allowing an integration of information and communication technology into classrooms. In this article we focus on the sustainability of ICT in these schools. We regard sustainability as meeting one's needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The sample constituted 18 participants from 6 disadvantaged schools in the Classroom of the Future initiative. Semi-structured face-to-face and telephonic interviews were employed for data collection. Our results show that ineffective teacher professional development for ICT, and inconsistent and timeous service delivery from the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) technicians/teacher trainers were a major deterrent to effective ICT implementation. Additionally, the phasing-in approach to the rollout of ICT was a serious challenge to ICT sustainability in schools. We recommend improved teacher professional development initiatives pertaining to ICT to be instituted in schools where heads of department take responsibility for empowering post-level one (PL 1) teachers on ICT to improve classroom learning. We also advocate for new improved service delivery from GDE technicians/teacher trainers, who are held accountable for fulfilling their mandates.

The global climate crisis is present in national and international discourse, along with other challenges the world is going through, such as the current wars in Ukraine and Gaza or the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, with the negative effects highlighted in the United Nations' sustainable development report. This paper aims to analyse and discuss how higher education institutions (HEIs) in Portugal cope with these challenges and contribute to a more sustainable world. The Portuguese case is interesting because, in recent years, they have been pressed to demonstrate their commitment towards sustainability publicly. We will proceed with framing the current role of Portuguese HEIs and their commitment to a sustainable world. This implies taking stock of their engagement with university social responsibility (USR), a concern of HEIs that is transversal to their roles -- research, teaching, and service to society -- but emphasises developing environmental sustainability and engaging students in active citizenship. Our argument is based on the importance that HEIs play in the sustainable development of societies, particularly in terms of environmental sustainability. Through documentary analysis of the strategic plans of HEIs, we explore if sustainability emerges and how it is framed in terms of policies and practices, contributing to a reflective debate on HEIs' potential role in addressing current challenges and committing to a more sustainable world. Therefore, the findings suggest that institutional diversity and territorial inequalities are important elements for understanding how different public HEIs in Portugal conceive and practice sustainability.

Indigenous people are often hesitant to participate in research projects because they lack trust in researcher intentions. In this article, we explore the critical role that Indigenous boundary spanners play in research conducted with Indigenous communities through our research on oceans and human health. Our analysis centers around five principles where Indigenous boundary spanners significantly influence the research process. Centering work around 'ohana (family), being intentional around where to collect data, approaching the work with humility knowing that the community are the experts, cultivating team members' knowledge of community through conversations, and challenging assumptions within the institution are all aspects of research that must be considered when working with Indigenous communities. Including Indigenous community members and Indigenous scholars as part of teams can improve these aspects of research and begin the process of (re)building trust with Indigenous communities.

There is a strong need to increase the opportunities for and success of the next generation of beef cattle producers. South Dakota State University Extension provides a 2-year educational program called "beefSD;" the purpose is to provide producers with a holistic view of the beef industry, an appreciation for utilizing adaptive management to respond to challenges and opportunities, and skills to assess and manage factors that influence overall operation sustainability. The curriculum has four major components: (1) in person workshops, case studies, interactive webinars, and homework (2) out-of-state learning experiences, (3) ranch to rail program, and (4) networking and mentoring.

While strategies may differ across geographical regions, FACS Extension professionals work to enhance nutrition education and increase food security in their communities. The four dimensions of food security developed by The Food and Agricultural Organization were reconceptualized to understand food security on an individual or at a community level. Using experiences from a summer internship with two urban counties, the EEUESA Model described here was designed to aid FACS Extension professionals in their efforts for nutrition education and to better understand how programming targets food security in their communities.

This study was based on online university education during the COVID-19 period in Kenya. The purpose of the study was to establish the readiness of Kenyan universities for online education during COVID-19 period. Online survey method generated data from 11 universities through content analysis. The data were analyzed qualitatively and interpreted. The major findings showed that majority of the universities under study adjusted in different ways during the COVID-19 period by hiring more teaching staff to teach online, however, the capacity of these job applicants to competently teach online courses was not clearly verified before they were hired to teach at the university. The study also found that even though majority of the universities had a functional Learning Management System (LMS), its utilization was below par. The study concluded that many universities did not offer quality online education as required by the Commission of University Education (CUE) in Kenya but were using online education language for marketing and sustainability purposes. To reduce the digital gap in institutions of higher learning, the study recommended that all teaching staff at the university level must be computer literate.

This article explores the shift towards place-based education, prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, advocating for innovative, flexible teaching methods. Integrating local environments and communities into education fosters active citizenship and social engagement, particularly benefiting Indigenous communities. Reflecting on personal experiences, the article emphasizes the intersectionality of sustainability and place-based education, promoting meaningful educational experiences that empower students as agents of change. It dives into the benefits, challenges, and implications of incorporating culturally relevant pedagogy, advocating for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable education practices. Through this holistic approach, schools can nurture environmentally conscious citizens deeply rooted in their cultural heritage, driving societal change towards justice, equity, and respect. [Note: The issue number (1) shown on some pages of the PDF is incorrect. The correct issue number is 2.]

Purpose: A novel, Project- and Collaborative Learning-based educational method is proposed, implemented and evaluated in this paper. The aim is to exploit hands-on laboratory modules in Vocational Education in order to experientially introduce students to green, ecofriendly practices and the principles of sustainability and circular economy. Besides their apparent individual and social benefits, such knowledge and skills are also expected to raise qualifications and employability of Vocational Education graduates. Methods: The proposed method is tested through a quasi-experimental methodology, via an educational intervention with a class of Vocational Lyceum students, in the field of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The learning content focuses on the reclaiming and reuse of operational components from damaged electrical/electronic equipment at end-of-life stage. Through repeated Analysis and Synthesis phases, students learn to extract, measure, classify and reuse operational components either to repair similar equipment or to design and construct novel devices. Results: Evaluation is carried out via closed and open type activities as well as by observation sheets of the teacher. Learning outcomes are evaluated through knowledge post-tests of the closed type while social/emotional outcomes are evaluated through questionnaires. Evaluation results indicate that the proposed method does produce cognitive and social/emotional skills gains for the students. The development of metacognitive skills and the stimulation of imagination and innovative thinking in the students is also observed by the teacher, but not formally evaluated due to practical constraints. Conclusions: The proposed method is implemented and pilot-tested with positive results both as to the cognitive and as to the social/emotional domain -- yet, these results are of an indicative value, due to the limited scale of the educational intervention. Future research is necessary in order to evaluate the proposed method in extent and possibly compare results across education grades or engineering fields, as the method is generic enough to be easily adaptable for different ages/grades and engineering/technical fields of study.

Low literacy levels are believed to be one of the causes of environmental damage problems. It is felt that the current implementation of the problem-based learning model is still not optimal in increasing students' environmental literacy, especially regarding sustainable issues. This research aims to (1) produce a sustainable issue-based learning model, and (2) test the level of validity and reliability of the model. The research was carried out at Malang State University and PGRI University Semarang involving biology learning experts, educational technology experts, and environmental experts as research subjects. The instrument in this research is an expert validation sheet. Validation results were analyzed using the average score while reliability was analyzed using percentage agreement. The research results show that the development of PBIB syntax including orientation, concept strengthening, observation, investigation, report, and reflection is classified as valid with a score of 3.87, while the reliability is 3.88 (reliable). This research indicates that the PBIB model can be used in learning and potentially increase students' environmental literacy.

This research investigates the integration of environmental science education within maritime curricula at the Maritime Institute Jakarta. Focusing on 70 cadets across Nautical, Technical, and Port and Shipping Management majors, a qualitative descriptive approach is employed. Results reveal varying levels of environmental awareness, integration perception, and challenges. Nautical Major demonstrates high awareness and positivity but faces time constraints. Technical Major shows a mixed perception with resistance to change. Port and Shipping Management Major lags behind, identifying a lack of clear guidelines. The research aligns with theoretical frameworks, emphasising tailored approaches to curriculum development. Implications include curriculum adjustments, targeted interventions, and strategic communication. The results contribute to the goal of producing "eco-navigators" -- maritime professionals adept at both technical proficiency and environmental consciousness. As the maritime industry navigates sustainability challenges, this research provides valuable insights for refining environmental science education, fostering a new generation of maritime professionals aligned with global sustainability imperatives.

Migration has been a constant in human history, presenting various economic, social, and cultural challenges. The integration of immigrants into society, particularly in terms of language and education, plays a crucial role in fostering social harmony. While Turkey has made progress in its integration policies, challenges persist, including socio-cultural and economic disparities among refugees. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of education faculty students on the refugee situation in Turkey, revealing insights into foreign policy, sustainability, territorial integrity, and safety concerns. The study was conducted using the qualitative research design of a case study method. 55 teacher candidates participated voluntarily, and their views on refugees living in Turkey were obtained through focus group interviews. Participants emphasized the need for stable foreign policies and highlighted language education as essential for successful integration. They expressed apprehensions about the potential security risks associated with refugees and advocated for greater societal awareness and proactive measures. Ultimately, addressing the refugee issue requires both policy adjustments and heightened societal sensitivity. [This article was presented as an oral presentation at the ICRES conference held in Antalya on 27-30 April 2024.]

This paper analyses university teachers and students' experiences of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal and presents post-pandemic implications. Potential ramifications of the findings in a normal setting were suggested by the analysis of data gathered through semi-structured interviews with participants both during and after the pandemic, as well as through observation of online classes during the period. Findings demonstrate teachers' ability to create online learning, an alternative mode to a physical classroom, during the pandemic while having an inadequate level of ICT understanding. Despite limited access to digital technology and no administrative assistance, teachers and students created an online learning environment. Findings, however, show an increasing digital gap between rural and urban areas. The discontinuation of effective online learning techniques in the post-pandemic circumstances produced by the teachers during the pandemic pointed out the issues of reforming higher education in developing countries such as Nepal.

This paper presents a conceptual model which explains the challenges of providing high quality sustainable, teacher professional development at scale. It provides a framework to support holistic thinking at a systemic level, applicable across different systems. It draws on sociocultural theories of learning and encourages the user to think about the knowledge and skills required by actors at different levels of the system and the structures required to support their learning. It brings together the needs of teachers, school leaders and Education Officers (at the County, District or Provincial level). The empirical evidence for this model comes from a seven-year programme of activity supporting school-based professional development in Zambia. Evaluation findings highlight the importance of the role of mid-level professionals (District and Provincial Officers) in ensuring the sustainability of gains made through development projects. This is important because the professional development needs of those supporting teachers are often neglected.

As textiles continue to feature heavily in discussions of sustainability, and young students continue to be positioned as saviors of the planet, this paper joins the call for assemblage thinking in early years research that decenters humans and foregrounds relationships. What follows is a subset of a larger study, where one preschool classroom engaged with textile themed provocations, and I had the honor of listening deeply to the children. This work borrows from sociomaterialism and artistic listening to consider what themes emerged when I considered child/textile as entangled in meaning making in one senior preschool classroom. I highlight ways in which the themes of "connect," "know," and "perceive" all surface in one richly detailed narrative of children making meaning with textiles. Finally, I offer a way in which research can support this kind of assemblage thinking in the classroom, by looking to relationships between themes and how we might represent those relationships in more nuanced, illustrative ways.

This study aimed to construct a causal relationship model of factors influencing communication arts students' qualification for sustainability communication (SC), examine the goodness-of-fit model with empirical data, and analyze the effect size of the causal relationship model in terms of influencing factors. Data were collected from 400 communication arts students using a set of questionnaires rated on a five-point scale. The results were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0 and LISREL version 8.80 to determine the causal relationship model. The findings revealed that the construct of the causal relationship model of factors influencing SC of these students comprised four latent variables measured from 12 observed variables. Moreover, the influencing factors were consistent with the empirical data at a good level considering the accordance index, which consisted of x2 = 13.153, df = 25, p-Value = 0.974, RMSEA = 0.000, Standardized RMR = 0.006, GFI = 0.996, and AGFI = 0.979. The causal relationship model of the factors affecting SC revealed that education sustainable development could have direct, indirect, and total effects; the knowledge-based journalist concept could have direct, indirect, and total effects; and communication art principles could have direct and total effects, respectively.

Metacognition is the process of thinking about one's own thinking, learning, and problem-solving strategies. It involves being aware of one's own cognitive processes and knowing how to regulate and monitor them. Sustainability, instead, refers to the ability to maintain or preserve resources and ecosystems for future generations. Here, we draw from the classical metacognitive approach and propose that metacognition plays an important role in sustainability. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and MetaAnalyses) Statement was used to perform and recode this review. Given that metacognitive abilities develop early during childhood, metacognition can be viewed as a useful approach to teach pro-environmental behavior from early childhood. Although the interaction between metacognition and sustainability in preschoolers appears to be insufficiently explored, the final aim of this review is to offer a new education-based perspective about metacognition that can be implemented in early childhood to foster pro-environmental actions in the longterm.

There is no doubt that education for sustainable development (ESD) is important because it covers all areas: social, emotional, intellectual, physical, moral, etc. ESD helps people acquire the skills, knowledge, and values necessary for a successful life and a constructive contribution to society. If earlier early ESD was not at the centre of attention, recently it has become increasingly clear that early education has great potential for fostering values, behaviours, and skills that contribute to sustainable development. Despite this, ESD remains problematic due to the inadequate preparation of pre-service primary teachers in this area. It is obvious that ESD implementation in primary education is still poorly integrated. Empirical qualitative research aimed to reveal how pre-service primary school teachers understand ESD in primary school. Generally, 86 students from two Lithuanian universities, pre-service teachers of preschool and primary education, took part in the research. Verbal research data were analysed using the quantitative content analysis method. The results suggest that although ESD in early childhood is understood as significant and reasonable, however, the understanding of pre-service teachers is rather one-sided. ESD is understood as social welfare, while the natural and physical environment is the least expressed in their understanding structure. Meanwhile, the implementation of ESD is understood as a normal educational process, applying known techniques and methods. It is necessary to strive for the young generation to be characterised by responsibility, a sense of community, conservation, and citizenship, to understand the harmony of the surrounding world and their activities. For that purpose, changes in the education are needed to integrate the necessary ESD elements, including both managerial and educational processes.

Validation is needed for any newly developed model or framework because it requires several real-life applications. The investment made into e-learning in medical education is daunting, as is the expectation for a positive return on investment. The medical education domain requires data-wise implementation of e-learning as the debate continues about the fitness of e-learning in medical education. The domain seldom employs frameworks or models to evaluate students' performance in e-learning contexts. However, when utilized, the Kirkpatrick evaluation model is a common choice. This model has faced significant criticism for its failure to incorporate constructs that assess technology and its influence on learning. This paper aims to assess the efficiency of a model developed to determine the effectiveness of e-learning in medical education, specifically targeting student performance. The model was validated through Delphi-based Expert Judgement Techniques (EJT), and Cronbach's alpha was used to determine the reliability of the proposed model. Simple Correspondence Analysis (SCA) was used to measure if stability is reached among experts. Fourteen experts, professors, senior lecturers, and researchers with an average of 12 years of experience in designing and evaluating students' performance in e-learning in medical education participated in the evaluation of the model based on two rounds of questionnaires developed to operationalize the constructs of the model. During the first round, the model had 64% agreement from all experts; however, 100% agreement was achieved after the second round, with all statements achieving an average of 52% strong agreement and 48% agreement from all 14 experts; the evaluation dimension had the most substantial agreements, next to the design dimension. The results suggest that the model is valid and may be applied as Key Performance Metrics when designing and evaluating e-learning courses in medical education.

This article explores the multifaceted dimensions of Black Trans Education Spaces (BTES) within higher education, highlighting the unique experiences, challenges, and transformative potential of these spaces for Black transgender students. This article acknowledges that Black education spaces may perpetuate trans-antagonism due to a lack of awareness, understanding, or intentional inclusivity. Drawing from narratives of 20 Black transgender students both currently and formerly enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities, this research investigates the existence of BTES both within and outside traditional educational structures. Findings indicate five dimensions of BTES: community determination, community actualization, community efficacy, community sustainability, and community reliance. These dimensions encompass the empowerment, identity affirmation, and collective support that Black transgender students derive from BTES. The narratives reveal the capacity of BTES in meeting the basic needs of Black transgender students, providing and sustaining spaces for retreat and empowerment, and nurturing communities of care. The implications of these findings emphasize the importance of recognizing and honoring BTES, fostering greater solidarity, and addressing intersecting oppressions. While BTES play a crucial role in supporting these students, broader inclusivity and understanding are needed in all educational spaces to ensure that all Black transgender individuals can thrive within higher education.

This is a mixed-methods case study aiming to understand teachers' self-efficacy beliefs for sustainability education in the context of climate change education. Therefore, we studied teachers' self-efficacy beliefs from their own perspective as well as the connection between self-efficacy and related concepts, perceived content knowledge (pCK) and perceived pedagogical content knowledge (pPCK). Twenty-two teachers from 18 countries participating on a climate change education professional development camp answered to a questionnaire, and 19 of them were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The results of this study show that, according to the interviews, the studied teachers have willingness to continuous learn and develop their sustainability teaching. They have beliefs not only about sustainability education but also about themselves as sustainability educators, which is something that the future instruments on teachers' beliefs should acknowledge. The questionnaire results however showed that teachers had the lowest self-efficacy beliefs on supporting students' actions for sustainability. Teachers' pCK and their pPCK were shown to correlate with their self-efficacy, especially with items related to action. In conclusion, teacher education could focus on supporting teachers pCK and pPCK to develop teachers' action-related self-efficacy beliefs thus supporting students to act for sustainability.

Education on sustainability is a crucial goal that requires a transformative shift in teacher education to drive meaningful changes oriented to action. A cross-sectional study with an exploratory design investigated preservice science teachers' perceptions regarding teaching sustainable citizenship, specifically focusing on the climate crisis and earthquakes-tsunamis. The study was conducted in two Chilean universities with similar teacher preparation programs. The team designed a podcast series, which was used and evaluated by the 13 participants through action research. Three group discussions explored their perceptions of the resources, as well as the aims and challenges of teaching sustainable citizenship and the podcasts. We used Grounded Theory steps, including triangulation by the researchers to ensure reliability, to qualitatively analyse the data. The results reveal a constraint on teaching in areas where the participants lacked the necessary preparation and background knowledge as students and preservice teachers. The main challenges were related to interdisciplinarity, the social dimension of socio-scientific issues and context-responsive teaching methods. The perceived aims were the development of students' critical thinking, informed positioning, and encouraging active citizen participation. Preservice teachers found the podcast series to be a valuable new epistemic and pedagogical resource that can support their efforts to teach sustainable citizenship and implement pedagogical strategies. The autonomous usage of the device triggered reflection processes, particularly regarding the human rights perspective, which unveiled the socio-political dimensions inherent in science education. It promoted personal re-positioning as active citizens and educators and empowered them to seek out and pursue the changes needed to reshape future classrooms. We discuss these findings in the context of teacher preparation and the use of educational technology in teacher education.

The proverbial clock is ticking for many Kansas school buildings, whether due to implications of a complete slowdown due to code compliance, or due to failure of critical systems. Regardless of the reasons, millions of square footage of learning spaces are in jeopardy of no longer being able to serve students in adequate teaching and learning environments. For those school facilities that remain in operation, their effectiveness continues to wane with each year of age and usage. Ultimately, as more classrooms and other learning spaces continue to become uncomfortable, ineffective, or unusable, the greater the detriment to student learning. The funding mechanisms made available through current Kansas school finance law place significant revenue limitations on school districts through mill levy maximums. These taxing limitations--in nearly all instances--do not provide enough funding to adequately meet the capital infrastructure needs of schools. Yet, alternatives could be viable through state policy changes that would lead to greater revenue and educational opportunity.

A former United States government senior policy advisor recommended that each university ought to formulate an Africa strategy within its long-term strategic objectives. This study explored the potential for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to further engage with Africa as a sustainability strategy, with an eye toward sustaining their missions and enhancing their global impact. The study utilized AutoHBCUology™, a multi-phase originally constructed mixed methodological design. The findings shed light on the multifaceted landscape of sustainability pathways and leadership commitment to internationalization with Africa among senior-level leaders at HBCUs. The emphasis on institutional leadership, stability, connectivity, and repositioning as pathways to sustainability underscores the multifaceted approach required to ensure the long-term viability of HBCUs in an ever-evolving educational landscape. The specific examination of leadership commitment to internationalization with Africa reveals a strong inclination toward professional high-level engagement, particularly through conferences and discussions with African Ministries of Education and institutions. However, fiscal resource allocation for internationalization with Africa may not be a high priority compared to other considerations. Nevertheless, the commitment to student-related activities, such as encouraging faculty, staff, and students to engage in educational exchanges, signifies a proactive stance toward fostering international experiences with Africa. Despite constraints, targeted Africa engagement may promote HBCU sustainability. Overall, this study aimed to initiate critical dialogue on typically unexplored sustainability dimensions for HBCUs in partnership with African nations.

The terms 'open' and 'distance' are no longer helpful for advancing approaches to education traditionally served by open institutions. A proposal to reframe the terms 'open' and 'distance' is made: 'open', it is suggested, needs to be linked more explicitly to education that is increasingly available, inclusive, scalable, and sustainable. 'Distance', on the other hand, needs to be replaced with the term 'designed,' which places attention on to the range of educational approaches now used to facilitate learning in ways that remove geographical barriers. The paper is based on part on the experience of a dedicated ODL institution in New Zealand, which found itself marginalized while a nation-wide renewal of the vocational education sector was taking place. Rather than being seen as a central part of the solution, ODL was instead assumed to be possible across regional provision. The 'distance' component was even represented as 'online,' which is becoming common across new entrants into what was traditionally understood as ODL. Five reasons for the decline of traditional understandings of ODL are offered.

Most students in higher education at present are 'digital natives.' They use technology in every facet of their life, including their education. They learn from formally organised courses as well as from informal learning. Hence, informal learning has been identified as crucial for the sustainability of higher education in the current global context. Technology facilitates informal learning and, thus, has made substantial changes in how learning occurs in modern age learners. These changes that occurred in the learning process due to the influence of technology should be addressed by the educational approaches used in higher education to achieve the best outcomes in relation to the academic performance of students and students' satisfaction. This commentary presents an educational approach: 'Connective Alignment' for higher education in the digital age, which can fulfil the learning needs of the learners in this digital age.

This Projects With Promise case study offers insights for addressing tensions between universities and communities in building partnerships and collectively rethinking "the field" of community engagement. We explore moving beyond a solely place-based understanding of "the field" into an ethos based on human interactions and mutual trust. Through an analysis of the Baltimore Field School (BFS) project, we argue that partnerships must be designed to create the time and space for self-reflexive qualitative methods that emerge from a personality-proof and sustainable infrastructure that can respond to crises and needs in both communities and universities. Rethinking and even "undoing" notions of institutional time and space within universities allows community-centered reflection that begins to cross the boundaries imposed by neoliberal institutions focused on profits above people. Exploring the distinct scholarly communities of higher education can inspire academics to rethink how universities can work with and not just for local communities.

In the realm of agricultural development, the pursuit of sustainability stands as a paramount objective, necessitating an integration of multifaceted expertise from diverse disciplines. Amidst this pursuit, understanding the perspectives of professionals in both the realms of economy and biology becomes imperative, serving as a cornerstone for innovative strategies. This study examines the viewpoints of economy and biology professionals on multidisciplinary innovations for sustainable agricultural development. Through qualitative analysis of interviews and focus groups, the research identifies key themes and challenges. Participants recognise the need for integrating diverse disciplines to address agricultural sustainability, emphasising the importance of economic viability and technological innovation. However, barriers such as high costs and limited access to resources hinder widespread adoption. Policy recommendations include incentivising sustainable practices and fostering collaboration between stakeholders. The results underscore the significance of multidisciplinary approaches in advancing sustainable agriculture, with implications for policy and practice.

Environmental literacy related to the utilization of medicinal plants in the community provides a foundation for the younger generation to take an active role and form an attitude of care and responsibility for environmental sustainability. The current research aims to introduce the Inquiry-Etnobotany (IEb) learning model to enhance students' environmental literacy. The research design applied a pretest-posttest control group design to assess the effectiveness of the IEb model intervention, comparing it with the inquiry and discovery learning models. Upon analysis, notable differences emerged between the pre-test and post-test results across various learning models. Specifically, the IEb model exhibited a substantial difference, indicating significant progress in student outcomes. Similarly, the inquiry model showcased an improvement, while the discovery learning model displayed a slightly smaller change. Furthermore, the disparities between pre-test and post-test outcomes were evident across the different schools involved in the study. The IEb model has a significant impact on enhancing students' environmental literacy. However, the research results in each school also demonstrate that various learning models enhance students' understanding of environmental issues despite the different levels of effect.