Qualitative Research in Curriculum

Green Curriculum: A Novel Model for Designing Course Outlines for Sustainable Education

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

kamran malekpour lapari 1
zahra karimian 2
azam bakhtyarirenani 3

1 Educational Management, Faculty of Management, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Department of Educational Sciences, Payam Noor University, Isfahan, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Sciences, Payame Noor University, tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22054/qric.2025.83205.396
Abstract
Given increasing environmental challenges, aligning curricula with sustainable education and environmental preservation is essential. This study aims to develop an innovative framework integrating green curriculum principles to provide an effective model for sustainable education. From a methodological perspective, this research falls within the category of developmental studies. Data collection was conducted using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis. The participants comprised scholars and experts in the fields of educational sciences, environmental studies, and social sciences from public universities in Tehran in the year 2024. Employing purposive criterion sampling, a total of 18 participants were selected. The data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a three-phase coding strategy within the MAXQDA software environment. The findings revealed that, at the open coding stage, 443 basic themes were identified, which were subsequently categorized into 40 organizing themes and 5 overarching global themes. The extracted dimensions of this study encompassed a focus on sustainable development, an interdisciplinary and holistic approach, localization and flexibility of curricular content, the reinforcement of environmental competencies, and the enhancement of cultural and indigenous awareness. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of an integrated curriculum in preparing students to address environmental challenges while equipping them with the essential competencies to contribute to a sustainable future. Therefore, the implementation of such a curriculum could play a pivotal role in achieving both environmental and societal objectives

Keywords

Green Curriculum
Sustainable Education
Curriculum Outlines
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Qualitative Research in Curriculum
Volume 5, Issue 15
Autumn 2024
Pages 57-89

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