Teaching Sustainable Development Goals in Catalonia : Experiences and Perceptions of Catalan Primary School Teachers

Abstract: The aim of this study is to explore how Catalan primary teachers perceive the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the Catalan curriculum, as well as their experiences into teaching about sustainability issues. The study uses a qualitative research design, characterized by semi-structured interviews with twelve Catalan teachers. The teachers were working in primary schools in Catalonia both in public and private schools and in urban and rural areas. Through this approach, the research aims to explore teachers' perceptions, experiences, and challenges related to the integration of the SDGs within the curriculum. The qualitative data revealed both challenges and opportunities when integrating the SDGs in the classroom. The challenges especially concerned the initial and permanent teacher training and the overload that most teachers experience, while the opportunities focused on the great outdoor and environmental tradition that Catalonia has and the small changes in the curriculum, opening the path for a quality education in sustainability. This study complements already conducted research as it focuses on active teachers with experience working in Catalonia. The participants have been working for more than a year and trained in Catalonia, with its very specific context. This thesis provides a significant overview of the current situation of SDGs in the Catalan system, offering valuable insights for educational practitioners, policymakers, and researchers alike.