Browsing by Author "Topp, Jenni"

The aim of the study was to explore how cultural sustainability is displayed in the new secondary education curriculum, which was introduced in 2015. In addition to the curriculum review the study focused on teachers views about the cultural sustainability themes in practical work. The main purpose is to get information about the new curriculum and find practical approaches to teach cultural sustainability. The theoretical framework in the study is based on Soini´s and Birkeland´s seven storylines on cultural sustainability. In the light of previous studies, it can be said that cultural sustainability is not an established place in the context of sustainable development. For this reason it is important to explore and bring out the significant role of the cultural sustainability as a pillar of it´s own in the sustainable development discourse. The study focused on the curriculum of Stadin ammattiopisto – vocational college. The research material consisted of three compulsory parts of food service degree and three common modules of the degree. In addition to this, data were obtained by interviewing three professional teachers. All the research material was analyzed using content analysis. Based on the theoretical framework a tool called “cultural sustainability glasses” was created to support the analysis. As analyzing the curriculum data, it was found that the results were quite interpretative. There were no specific findings on the cultural sustainability themes as Soini and Birkeland determine but more like tools and practical measures. The teachers made a point that cultural sustainability as a term is not well known but the meanings behind appear in everyday lives. Especially multicultural issues, equality, charity and environmental responsibility are included in the practical lessons. The study shows that culture is a broad term and includes many meanings and interpretations. Cultures important role in the context of sustainable development cannot be denied. It is extremely important to educate responsible young people who understand the importance of cultural sustainability.