Student perceptions on the first masters in education for sustainable development in Malta

Abstract

The study is an in depth analysis of student perceptions on the first Master Course in Education for Sustainable Development in Malta. The course was carried out mainly through the use of lectures, fieldwork sessions and partly through an online virtual learning environment. The main aim of the course was to improve education for sustainable development knowledge, skills and values in educators and it mainly addressed local students from Malta through its contextualization. The study involved the use of mixed methodology, with questionnaires that focused on gathering the general picture and an in depth student evaluation written over a period of 2 weeks, with all the students to get deeper meaning and understanding. The reponses were categorised and a number of themes emerged. The research identifies a number of different areas which were the prime motivators for carrying out the masters course, while it also highlights areas which can be improved, changed or realigned in order to make the course more effective and operative. A 4D MESD model is presented as a means of visualizing the various polarised dimensions of the findings. Considering the focus on student perceptions on an ESD master degree, this paper will be valuable to students and lecturers that are interested in innovative methodologies and in developing or evaluating Education for sustainable development courses.