EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION: AN ANALYSIS OF THE MALAYSIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Abstract

Education for Sustainable Consumption (ESC) calls for desired behavioural changes that comprise the adoption of practices by members of society that will contribute to a low carbon, resource efficient, and sustainable society and economic growth without environmental degradation. The Malaysian school curriculum is analysed for contents and learning outcomes statements that express desired behaviours in sustainable consumption. The objective of this study is to assess the current status and existing initiatives in Education for Sustainable Consumption (ESC) within the Malaysian public education system. The document analysis method is applied in analysing curriculum materials and textbooks. This paper presents results from the analysis of the public secondary school curriculum. Results from the document analysis show that while there are contents related to the consumption, use, and disposal of materials and resources in a number of subjects, there are hardly any stated learning outcomes in terms of desired behaviors in sustainable consumption. It is concluded that there is room for improvement, and opportunities and avenues to incorporate sustainable consumption education in the Malaysian curriculum. It is recommended that desired behavioral learning outcomes in ESC is integrated within the existing curriculum during the next national curriculum review.