5세반 지속가능발전교육의 실천을 위한 협력적 실행연구 = Collaborative Action Research for the Practice of Education for Sustainable Development in a five year old class

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study explored the practice of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and the changes observed in teachers and young children through collaborative action research between a teacher and a researcher in an early childhood education setting. The research was conducted with twenty 5-year-old children from the “Cloud” class and their homeroom teacher, referred to as Teacher A. Data were collected through the researcher’s field notes from participant observations, photographs, interview recordings and transcripts with the teacher, reflective journals from both the teacher and researcher, and other relevant documents. The research process included recognizing the current situation and issues, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing five cycles of collaborative action. During the implementation process, the educational approach shifted from an environment-centered and teacher-led model to one that integrated economic, social, and environmental perspectives with a child-centered and play-based approach. As a result, the teacher enhanced her understanding and attitudes toward ESD, became more aware of her role in supporting children’s agency, and the children demonstrated participation in sustainable practices and cooperative attitudes in their daily lives. In conclusion, the collaborative action research strengthened the teacher’s professionalism and practical competence while providing opportunities for children to internalize and practice sustainable development through play. Future studies should consider extending the research to different age groups, observing sustainability in broader daily contexts, and including the role of parents