A Long Way To Go : A Comparative Study on the Implementation of Education for Sustainable Development in Secondary Education in Finland and the Philippines

Abstract

Education is the main force that drives long-term sustainability, and it remains a vital tool of any policy relating to sustainable development (SD). This research aims to bring to light the perspectives of educators on the implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the secondary education system of Finland, and the Philippines. Additionally, the purpose of this study is to provide insights into the improvement of ESD in the school system, as well as to understand the implications of ESD in countries with more resources and fewer resources using a comparative perspective. This study's data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with 11 informants from both countries and analyzed using the thematic analysis approach. Throughout the data, three themes emerged: the current implementation of ESD, the factors influencing implementation, and the problems and hurdles that impede implementation. There are also similarities and differences between Finland and the Philippines within these themes. Both countries implement ESD through the integration of ESD in the curricula, cooperation of stakeholders and actors, teaching, and school-based initiatives and programs. The implementation of ESD in both countries is also a choice of schools and teachers and is hindered by attitudes and perspectives, lack of monitoring and evaluation, and lack of teachers’ knowledge of ESD. There are also differences between the two countries in terms of the three themes. This includes the autonomy of schools and teachers, the importance of research, challenges in integrating ESD in school subjects, attitudes and perspectives, and excessive class sizes among others. These findings indicate the need for addressing the four dimensions of ESD, namely: the conceptual (how we view ESD), educational (how we teach ESD), logistical (how we fund ESD), and attitudinal (how we feel towards ESD).