Implementation Challenges
Common Challenges
Lack of Time. Teachers in formal education systems often find that there isn’t enough time to include rich experiential environmental or sustainability learning experiences, since the priority is to get through the curriculum material. Creating interdisciplinary lessons or courses requires a lot of time that educators often do not have.
Lack of Resources. Schools may not have the resources to cover field trips or experiments, or integrate experiential learning components into the curriculum. Parents may not have the resources to pay for extra curricular activities.
Curricula Limitations. Kindergarten to Grade 12 curricula are often rigid in their disciplinary focus, presenting barriers for integrative learning. Furthermore, not all curriculum expectations reflect environmental or sustainability education and so is not covered by educators. Disciplinary rigidity follows into post-secondary education as well.
Lack of Knowledge. Educators may not have enough knowledge about sustainability and sustainability issues to teach it well. They may not have experience with or knowledge of the different approaches to education discussed previously.
Lack of Passion and Leadership. Teachers/parents/leaders themselves may not be passionate about sustainability issues and do not model environmentally sustainable behaviour. Champions are often needed to initiate and motivate people toward action.