Free-range teenagers : using out-of-class experiences to link the outside world with young people’s lives : a case study in a Maltese secondary school

Abstract

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is generally understood as education that encourages changes in knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to ensure a more sustainable and fair society for all. ESD requires innovative pedagogies, not only in classrooms but also in out-of-class activities to promote exploratory, action-oriented and transformative learning. The main aim of this study is to investigate the benefits, if any, of using out-of-class activities, namely gardening and activities linked to it, during school time to promote ESD. A qualitative case study method was adopted to get a deeper understanding of the learning journey of six students who regularly and voluntarily participate in these activities. Data was collected through online retrospective semi-structured interviews and observations with students as well as interviews with their parents and Head of School. These served for triangulation purposes to present more comprehensive results. Verbatim transcripts from the interviews were analysed through a coding system and plotted on pre-post Concept Maps using CMap ToolsTM. Such Concept Maps were useful in simplifying intricate concepts, mapping each student’s learning journey and facilitating students’ self-analysis. Results showed that all students developed their knowledge, interpersonal and personal domains, at different levels and depending on the activities they were involved in. Challenges were also taken into consideration and helped in drafting a set of recommendations to give more value to ESD at school-level.