Developing Climate Change Education Through Intergenerational Dialogue and Pedagogical Content Knowledge

Human-induced climate change is causing extensive disruption to ecosystems, affecting billions of
lives across the planet. Anxiety and dissatisfaction are growing amongst children and young people,
who have the right to climate justice and to a future that is not stolen from them.
The Scottish Government has recognised the critical role of education in the fight against climate
change. Yet, teachers feel unsupported when it comes to teaching about this controversial topic, and
students are demanding a prominent voice in their climate change education (CCE).
In response, this research will use dialogue between the generations to discern what teachers need
to know and do when teaching climate change. It offers a timely and innovative contribution to
address CCE across the life of the school. Taking a rights-based, participatory and school-centred
approach, dialogue between students and teachers in primary and secondary schools will help to
understand how teachers' capabilities can be developed. The overarching aim is to improve this
aspect of Learning for Sustainability in the Curriculum for Excellence so that teachers, students, and
communities develop the knowledge and skills needed to understand, respond and adapt to this
global emergency.
SGSSS Open Competition Research Proposal 2022/23 v1 3
Outcomes and impacts will help lead to more effective curriculum provision in Learning for
Sustainability, improving school cultures, resilience and adaptability across the school community
and campus with respect to a changing climate. The research will lead to an evidence-informed
approach to teachers' learning and professional development in this area.