Sixteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

Sustainability education forms a key element of the sustainable development goals. However, much research in this area has focused on formal curriculum and pedagogic approaches. These are important areas, yet there is increasing evidence that much sustainability education occurs ‘under the radar’ through informal learning and the hidden curriculum. Although many institutions have undertaken some form of ‘curriculum audit’ which explores the inclusion of sustainability in the formal curriculum, much less is known about the workings of the hidden curriculum and its influence on student learning. This session explores the concept of the hidden curriculum, the ways it may impact on education, and outlines some research on sustainability which reveals the hidden curriculum in action. The intention is to prompt discussion with international delegates about the ways in which educators’ attitudes influence curriculum content; how the hidden curriculum might be expressed through pedagogic decisions; and the potential impact of the learning spaces on student learning.