Abstract:

May be implemented through critical thinking using teaching and learning environment. Knowledge and understanding of globally and locally issues as well as current and future changes may be required in order to achieve sustainable development. These skills not only should be acquired, but also should be learned to overcome current challenges and to find the way where the society and nature can coexist. In this sense, future professors can become “agents of change” and “managers of transition” who support sustainable development in the future and have an active role in present and future. Through Education for Sustainable Development within education system is sought to equip present and future generations for addressing their basic needs using a balanced and integrated approach to dealing with economic, social and environmental aspects [1]. Therefore, professors should acquire a very wide range of knowledge and skills for covering and encouraging educational activities which can raise awareness of environmental challenges.

Universities can have a relevant role in Education for Sustainable Development; moreover, they have a social duty of training and teaching new generations in order to prepare them for a sustainable lifestyle and students should be aware of issues and social challenges which are related to sustainable development topics. Furthermore, universities can promote more responsible and environmentally friendly development to achieve a relationship of co-existence among environmental, people and technology. Education may support to develop critical, creative and ethical thinking skills in all contexts and analyse environmental problems, which allow to improve natural environment [2].

An Education for Development and Awareness project arises due to the aforementioned and a group of professors and students of University of Jaén. This project is proposed to develop tools for training in energy efficiency, energy saving and to contribute to the diffusion of renewable energies and eco energy seminars.

One of the topics to deal in the seminars is the self-knowledge and self-awareness of the energy consumption at homes in order to be conscious. When energy consumption is known it is possible to find solutions. This topic can be addressed with the information provided through smart meters that are used for all users but they are rarely familiar with. Moreover, a social network (Facebook) is used for virtually activities where students, professors and exporters are encouraged to share interesting links, articles and news on Sustainable development.

This study contributes in different ways to acquisition of sustainability skills of students who will become professors. The experience shows students are participatory and aware of the proposal. The results of these activities are intended to increase the knowledge of sustainable development and energy saving in future professors and that this knowledge forms part of the transversal competences in their future as professor.

References:
[1] Eilam, E.; Trop, T. ESD pedagogy: A guide for the perplexed; Taylor & Francis, 2010; Vol. 42;.
[2] Stevenson, B.; Stirling, C. Environmental learning and agency in diverse educational and cultural contexts. In; Sense Publishers, 2010 ISBN 9460911595.

Keywords:

Education, Sustainable Development.