Sustainability Education in English Textbook Grade VIII Based On SNC (2022)

Abstract

The primary objective of the study was to analyze the depiction of sustainability in the English textbook of grade eight based on Single National Curriculum (SNC), 2022. The study employed the Sustainability Framework of Marco Tavanti (2010) and qualitative content analysis through NVivo 12 with purposive sampling of the textbook. The findings reveal that sustainability is not the central theme of the textbook content, however, various dimensions of environmental, social, cultural, and values sustainability are being promoted through lessons, narratives, and activities. It was revealed that the environmental dimension is promoted through responsible use of resources by tree plantation, conservation of wild animals and birds, and responsible use of water and electricity. The social dimension is reflected through empathy, kindness, and respect for all professions. The economic dimension is indirectly reflected through the promotion of education, and the facilitation of agriculture to improve productivity. The cultural dimension is promoted through the cultural diversity and cultural heritage of Pakistan. Values-based dimension of sustainability at school is primarily based on moral values, spirituality, and personal development. There is no explicit attention to the institutional one, but responsible citizens are being promoted, which is a component of the institutional dimension. Even though sustainability is not the central theme of the textbook, it contributes towards providing a holistic and comprehensive understanding of sustainable development to the students.