From Theory to Practice: Empowering Preschool Teachers for Sustainability Via Pedagogical Systems Theory Based Professional Development


KOŞAN Y., GÜLER YILDIZ T.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION JOURNAL, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s10643-025-02086-4
  • Dergi Adı: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION JOURNAL
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Psycinfo
  • Atatürk Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This mixed method study examined the effects of professional development training on preschool teachers' views and practices related to sustainability within the systems of the General Systems Model of Pedagogical Systems Theory. The study involved ten Turkish preschool teachers who participated in the training. Data were collected through pre- and post-interviews, the Preschool Teachers' Practices for Sustainability Scale, classroom implementation videos, and reflective learning diaries. Additionally, the Questionnaire of Teachers' Current Sustainability Situations was administered to fifty preschool teachers during the development phase of the professional development content. The findings indicate that the training transformed teachers' views on sustainability by enhancing their understanding of the interconnected systems (worldviews, human being, knowledge, society, and education). The professional development also supported teachers in implementing education for sustainability practices that consider the environmental, economic, and sociocultural dimensions of sustainability. The study emphasizes the cultural adaptability of the theory and highlights the potential of Pedagogical Systems Theory based professional development to support preschool teachers in incorporating sustainability into their educational practices. The results provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers interested in integrating sustainability into early childhood education.