The Future of Education

The shift toward sustainable models has reshaped the aims of science education, positioning universities as key actors in fostering comprehensive sustainability that integrates environmental, social, economic, civic, and cultural dimensions [1]. Educational experiences should help students understand the link between science and sustainability while encouraging responsible daily behaviors. In this context, renewable energy, especially solar cookers, offers a valuable teaching resource, enabling the practical learning of scientific concepts and promoting reflection on sustainable energy alternatives [2]. The present study was conducted at the University of Extremadura, with the participation of a total of 109 pre-service primary teachers. An intervention aligned with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) was implemented, with the dual aim of fostering students’ interest in experimental sciences and integrating sustainability under the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the central axis of learning. Data were collected using a previously validated questionnaire (α = 0.793), divided into three sections: (i) sociodemographic data, (ii) an open-ended question to explore the relationship between the activity and the SDGs, and (iii) six Likert-scale items (rated from 1 to 4) to assess civic responsibility in the responsible use of energy. The results of this study demonstrate the educational potential of solar cookers as a teaching resource in initial teacher education. The intervention enabled students not only to understand scientific concepts related to renewable energy, but also to recognize their direct connection with various Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, a significant increase was observed in students’ willingness to adopt responsible behaviors in energy use, suggesting that even brief interventions, when based on active methodologies and practical experiences, can generate meaningful change.

Keywords: Pre-service teachers, sustainability, solar cooker, SDG 7

[1] Zamora-Polo, F., & Sánchez-Martín, J. (2019). Teaching for a Better World. Sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals in the Construction of a Change-Maker University. Sustainability, 11(15). https://doi.org/10.3390/su11154224

[2] Aramesh, M., Ghalebani, M., Kasaeian, A., Zamani, H., Lorenzini, G., Mahian, O., & Wongwises, S. (2019). A review of recent advances in solar cooking technology. Renewable Energy, 140, 419–435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2019.03.021