Is sustainability the future of education? | Kris Leverton | TEDxYouth@BangkokPrep

Summary

The speaker explores the broader purpose of education, emphasizing its societal and global significance beyond individual success. Sharing their experience in establishing an eco-team at an international school in Bangkok, they highlight the ineffectiveness of merely presenting information for behavioral change. Advocating for a child-led approach, the speaker asserts that fostering sustainability mindsets is crucial for preparing students to tackle future challenges. By aligning education with the United Nations' sustainability goals, the speaker argues that equipping young people with essential 21st-century skills is vital for creating a more sustainable future.

Takeaways

• 📚 Education is a shared responsibility among students, teachers, parents, and society, emphasizing the need for high standards.
• ❓ The fundamental purpose of education extends beyond individual achievement; it should also address societal and global challenges.
• 🌱 Initiating an eco team at the school led to increased student engagement and proactive involvement in sustainability.
• 🌍 The United Nations' sustainability goals underscore the critical role of education in fostering a sustainable future.
• 🚫 Simply providing information is often ineffective in creating lasting behavioral change among students.
• 💡 21st-century skills like creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability are essential for preparing students for the future.
• 👩‍🎓 A child-led approach to education empowers students to showcase their skills and leadership, rather than relying on teacher-driven methods.
• 🌳 Sustainability education should focus on developing an ecological worldview to inspire meaningful change.
• 🔄 Preparing students for future challenges requires a mindset shift from traditional educational paradigms to sustainability-focused practices.
• 🌈 The ultimate purpose of education is to equip young people with the skills, attributes, and mindsets necessary to drive sustainable change in the world.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the talk?

The main purpose of the talk is to explore the broader societal and global purpose of education, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and ecological awareness in the educational framework.

How does the speaker view the relationship between education and sustainability?

The speaker views education as a crucial element in achieving global sustainability goals, arguing that educational practices should focus on fostering a sustainability mindset among students.

What personal experience does the speaker share to illustrate their points?

The speaker shares their experience at a successful international school in Bangkok, where they initiated an eco-team to promote sustainability among students, moving away from traditional complaint-based discussions.

What does the speaker identify as ineffective in creating behavioral change?

The speaker identifies simple information delivery and awareness-raising as ineffective strategies for creating genuine behavioral change in students regarding environmental issues.

What approach does the speaker recommend for teaching sustainability?

The speaker recommends a child-led approach to teaching sustainability, providing students with a platform to demonstrate their leadership skills and engage in real-world problem-solving.

What key skills are emphasized as vital for 21st-century education?

The key skills emphasized include creativity, innovation, adaptability, problem-solving, and independent learning, which are essential for students to navigate future challenges.

What recognition did the eco-team achieve under the speaker's guidance?

Under the speaker's guidance, the eco-team earned international accreditation and recognition, becoming the first school in Thailand to achieve the green flag eco school status.

How does the speaker connect education to Nelson Mandela's quote?

The speaker connects education to Nelson Mandela's quote by asserting that education is a powerful tool for creating change, highlighting the need for educational practices to focus on developing students' mindsets and worldviews for sustainability.

What is the speaker's stance on the mindset required for addressing future problems?

The speaker argues that to address future problems, particularly those related to sustainability, it is crucial to develop an ecological worldview that prioritizes sustainability over financial gain.

What overarching question does the speaker pose about the future of education?

The overarching question posed is what the global purpose of education is, specifically how it can equip young people with the skills, attributes, and mindsets necessary for driving change towards a sustainable future.