An Analysis of the Views and Experiences of Children Who are 48–66 Months Old, Their Parents, and Teachers About “Sustainable Development
Tülin Güler Yıldız
Department of Primary Education, Division of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, Hacettepe University, Çankaya Ankara 06800 TurkeyPınar Özdemir Şimşek
Department of Science and Mathematics Education, Division of Science Education, Faculty of Education, Hacettepe University, Çankaya Ankara 06800 TurkeySaliha Eren
Nilüfer Bilfen Preschool, Bilfen Education Institution, Nilüfer Bursa 16110 Turkey.Emine Hande Aydos
Department of Primary Education, Division of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, Hacettepe University, Çankaya Ankara 06800 TurkeyAbstract
This study aims at uncovering the views of children 48–66 months old regarding sustainable development (SD), as well as the attitudes of their parents and teachers. Additionally, it seeks to identify activities related to SD that are promoted in homes by parents and in schools by teachers. The study was designed as a case study, with participants selected using the convenience sampling method. Study data were collected by interview forms as well as by utilizing the Children’s Attitudes toward the Environment Scale-Preschool Version. One-to-one interviews were carried out with children, parents, and teachers, and data obtained were analyzed making use of descriptive statistics and content analysis. Major findings of the study are as follows: the sampled children expressed views about environmental, economical, and socio-cultural pillars of sustainable development. Furthermore, they appeared to take care of not using water and electricity when it is not needed, and to pay attention to recycling as well as to taking care of animals living in their immediate environment. The findings also showed consistency between the views of the participants about sustainable development and their experiences.