Students’ Learning for Action Through Inquiry-Based Science Education on a Local Environmental Problem

Mónica Baptista (), Ana Sofia Pinho and Ana Rita Alves
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Mónica Baptista: UIDEF, Instituto de Educação, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-013 Lisboa, Portugal
Ana Sofia Pinho: UIDEF, Instituto de Educação, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-013 Lisboa, Portugal
Ana Rita Alves: UIDEF, Instituto de Educação, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-013 Lisboa, Portugal

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-18

Abstract: This study examines students’ learning for action towards sustainability when addressing a local environmental problem related to mining through an Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) approach. A total of 54 eighth-grade students (ages 13–15) from a rural middle school participated in this study. Data collection included written group productions and group interviews, which were analysed using inductive and deductive processes. The results revealed three levels of the students’ learning for action: “What” (problem identification), “Why” (reasons for action), and “How” (local action). All groups successfully identified the environmental problem, and 64% demonstrated understanding of the reasons for action, showing concern for future generations and environmental preservation. At the “How” level, 50% of the groups recognised the importance of local action, 34% actively planned and implemented actions, and 29% developed specific competences for action, including systemic thinking, argumentation, and communication skills. This research demonstrates that using the IBSE approach to address relevant local problems facilitates the development of action competences for sustainability. Digital technologies emerged as important tools for the students’ actions. The study also provides a framework for understanding and analysing students’ learning for action.

Keywords: education for sustainable development; students’ learning; action competences; digital literacy; inquiry-based science education; environmental education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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