Case Study On Integrating Education For Sustainable Consumption Into Japanese Primary School Curriculum

The contradiction between global problems(such as climate change,disparity in wealth distribution,degradation of environment etc.)and our lifestyle has led to the author's reflection on how to promote sustainable consumption through education.In order to clarify the concept of sustainable consumption education and how it included into curriculum of primary school in Japan,the author selected five UNESCO schools in Tokyo and Yokohama as a case study.Through the method of literature research and textual analysis,explore the practice of integrating education for sustainable consumption into primary school curriculum in Japan.And compare it with China's practice to analyze the basis and the later topics in China.The study found that education for sustainable consumption in Japan is carried out by environmental education,consumer education and ESD.There are three aspect in the concept of education for sustainable consumption,including basic understanding of sustainability,the value of sustainable consumption and the practice of lifestyle,emphasizing the competency of feeling,thinking,and practice.Integrating education for sustainable consumption into subject courses represented by Home Economics and Social Studies is the main route in Japan.At the same time,providing sustainable consumption education through interdisciplinary thematic activity and expand into community is another important way.In this way,Japan's primary schools have formed a model for reference in education for sustainable consumption: combining the curriculum both inside and outside the classroom as the core,edifying and expanding the concept of sustainable consumption through school activities and campus culture,and using ESD calendar to integrate related curriculum and make them visible.Compared with Japan,there is development space in the content of courses,curriculum types,implementation routes and curriculum integration in China at present.The author provided five specific suggestions for that: realize multi-dimensional and three-dimensional content of sustainable consumption education,promote the integration of sustainable consumption education into various subject courses,develop interdisciplinary courses such as comprehensive practice,focus on the integration and visualization of curriculum integration,and strengthen cooperation with communities and families.