Sustainability-Oriented Learning in Physical Education and Health (PEH)

Dear Colleagues,

Humanity faces several global challenges, such as poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. In this context of the Agenda 2030 and its 17 sustainable development (SD) goals, the United Nations recognizes that schools have a vital role in educating and empowering students to become informed and active agents by promoting sustainability-oriented learning (1). School physical education (PE) may not only be an important cornerstone to the holistic development of students but may also contribute to the SD agenda (2). Little is known, however, about how schools and teachers work with SD perspectives, not the least in relation to PE (3). Although PE may have unique characteristics that can contribute to the SD agenda, relatively few studies are available, and most research to date has been theoretical (2). The overall aim of this Topic is to showcase research that centers on sustainability-oriented teaching and learning in PE to consider the significance of challenges and contribution to education for sustainability. We welcome contributions that focus on sustainability-oriented teaching and learning in PE, including PE teacher education. Study designs may include empirical studies, theoretical studies (e.g., policy document analyses), and case studies, among others.

1. Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Available online: https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015/transformingourworld/publication.
2. Baena-Morales, S.; Ferriz-Valero, A. What about physical education and Sustainable Development Goals? A scoping review. Physical education and sport pedagogy, 2023, 1-18, doi:10.1080/17408989.2023.2214572.
3. Fröberg, A. & (2021). "The Distinct Role of Physical Education in the Context of Agenda 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals: An Explorative Review and Suggestions for Future Work" Sustainability 13(21): 11900. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111900.

Prof. Dr. Suzanne Lundvall
Dr. Andreas Fröberg
Topic Editors