Integrating Sustainability into Education: An Exploration of the 'Green School – Green College – Green University' Approach

Abstract

The concept of a "green school" or environmental school, where students develop ecological literacy and culture, is currently gaining importance considering globalization and the growing environmental crisis. The effectiveness of integrating environmental education in European and Kazakhstan schools and colleges is being examined, highlighting the need to consider psychological aspects in the educational process. Three testing methodologies were employed during the research. Many educational institutions worldwide strive to become "green schools," but they encounter obstacles, including the need for integrating environmental education and psychology. To assess the effectiveness of implementing psychological methods in environmental education, pre- and posttesting were conducted. In the control group, students' average score on the scale of engagement in environmental activities increased from 62 to 68 points (+9.68 %), while in the experimental group, it rose from 62 to 76 points (+22.58 %). Similarly, the level of environmental awareness in the control group increased from 59 to 64 points (+8.47 %), and in the experimental group, it increased from 59 to 73 points (+23.73 %). This article underscores the importance of integrating environmental education and psychology in the development of a continuous educational process in a "green school" and "green college".