ABSTRACT

This volume supports educators in integrating meaningful education for social justice and sustainability across a wide range of curricular subjects by drawing on educational theory, innovative pedagogical approaches and creative ideas for teaching and learning. Both practical and theoretical in its approach, it addresses subject areas ranging from mathematics to visual arts to language teaching. Chapters provide subject entry points for teachers seeking to embed social justice and sustainability principles and pedagogies into their work.

Transferable across various areas of learning, a range of pedagogical approaches are exemplified, ranging from inquiry approaches to ethical dilemmas to critical relational pedagogies. Ready-to-use teaching exemplars, activities and resources address issues which are of interest and relevance to children’s lives, including gender stereotyping, racism, heterosexism, climate change and species extinction. Practical guidance is provided on how to engage children in dialogue and reflection on these complex issues in a safe and ethical way.

This accessible and unique volume is essential reading for student teachers, teachers, educational leaders, teacher educators and anyone interested in inspiring children to work towards creating a more socially just and sustainable world.

chapter 1|17 pages

Teaching for social justice and sustainable development across the primary curriculum

An introduction
ByAnne Marie Kavanagh, Fionnuala Waldron, Benjamin Mallon

part I|65 pages

Critical enquiry: A pedagogy for social justice and sustainability

chapter 2|16 pages

Critical historical enquiry for a socially just and sustainable world

ByFionnuala Waldron, Caitríona Ní Cassaithe, Maria Barry, Peter Whelan

chapter 4|15 pages

Education about, through and for the environment

A scientific inquiry approach
BySandra Austin

chapter 5|15 pages

Critical thinking, critical pedagogy and climate change education

ByRowan Oberman, Gabriela Martinez Sainz

part II|53 pages

Creative and relational approaches to social justice and sustainability education

chapter 6|19 pages

Integrating visual arts with education for social justice and sustainability

ByMáire Ní Bhroin, Andrea Cleary

chapter 7|18 pages

Connecting social justice education with the teaching of music

ByRegina Murphy, Francis Ward

chapter 8|14 pages

Drama, social justice education and education for sustainable development

Theory in action
ByAnnie Ó Breacháin, Ciara Fagan

part III|74 pages

Challenging dominant frameworks through critical discourse

chapter 9|14 pages

Global citizenship education

Interconnection, social justice and sustainability
ByBenjamin Mallon

chapter 10|14 pages

Embedding social justice and sustainability perspectives in language teaching

ByAisling Ní Dhiorbháin

chapter 11|15 pages

Critical literacy

Challenging dominant discourses
ByNiamh Watkins

chapter 12|13 pages

Meaningful mathematics

Applying mathematical thinking to issues of social justice and sustainability
ByAisling Twohill, Labhaoise Ní Shúilleabháin

chapter 13|16 pages

Beginning conversations about difference, race, ethnicity and racism through ethical education

ByAnne Marie Kavanagh, Niamh McGuirk

part IV|23 pages

Social justice education in real contexts

chapter 14|16 pages

A whole school approach to social justice education 1

ByAnne Marie Kavanagh

chapter 15|5 pages

Transforming pedagogy for a socially just and sustainable world

Concluding thoughts
ByFionnuala Waldron, Benjamin Mallon, Anne Marie Kavanagh