Page 443 - Vseživljenjsko učenje kot temelj trajnostne družbe

Razumevanje fizikalnih vsebin s strani bodočih učiteljev razrednega pouka

in sustainable development and environmental sustainability is environ-
mental education. Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences, 21(4), 965–
975.

Physics Knowledge of Primary Teacher Education Students
as a Foundation for Sustainability Teaching
The education of future primary school teachers plays a crucial role in shaping
young generations’ attitudes toward sustainable development. Understand-
ing physics concepts related to sustainability is essential for effective science
instruction in primary education. Our study examined primary education stu-
dents’knowledgeofsustainabilitytopics,includingrenewableenergysources,
efficient energy use, and climate change, as well as their perceptions regarding
theintegrationofthesetopicsintoscienceeducation.Twomainresearchques-
tionsguidedthestudy:howwelldostudentsunderstandselectedphysicscon-
cepts, and what are their attitudes toward incorporating sustainability-related
science content into their teaching practice? A quantitative research approach
was employed, and data were collected using a self-developed questionnaire
administered to 41 primary education students at the Faculty of Education,
University of Primorska. The results reveal that while students generally recog-
nize the importance of sustainability and its societal impact, their understand-
ing of related physics concepts varies significantly. Many students also lack the
confidence required to teach these topics effectively, which may negatively in-
fluence their future classroom practices. These findings emphasize the need
for a deeper understanding of sustainability-related physics concepts within
teacher education programmes. Based on the results, it is recommended to
enrich science education courses with greater emphasis on sustainability top-
ics through practical activities, interdisciplinary approaches, and innovative
teaching methods. Such strategies would contribute to developing more com-
petent and confident teachers capable of inspiring responsible environmental
behaviour among young learners and actively contributing to the formation of
a sustainable society.
Keywords: teacher education, sustainable society, primary education, physics
concepts, science education

443