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Transfer in Teacher Training: Integrating Socio-Environmental Issues Through an Educational Trail

Author

Listed:
  • Gema Sánchez-Emeterio

    (Department of Geography and Land Planning, Faculty of Teaching Training, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Carlos III 21, 45071 Toledo, Spain)

  • Cristina Honrubia Montesinos

    (Department of Geography and Land Planning, Faculty of Teaching Training, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avda. Carlos III 21, 45071 Toledo, Spain)

  • Alberto Gómez Pozos

    (Independent Researcher, 45800 Quintanar de la Orden, Spain)

  • David Sanchez-Ramos

    (Research Group on Hydroecology, School of Civil Engineering, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Avenida Camilo José Cela, 2, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain)

Abstract

Education through geotourism plays a key role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. This study presents the results of a service-learning project in which a pre-service teacher, conducted under the academic supervision of university faculty members within the framework of a Bachelor’s thesis course, collaborated with public entities to design and implement an educational trail, establishing strategic partnerships to promote Sustainable Development Goals outcomes. The objective of this article is to present the outcomes of the implemented service-learning methodology project: on one hand, the creation of the trail; on the other, the analysis of the perceptions of the stakeholders involved in its development. To assess stakeholder perceptions, a qualitative approach was applied through focus groups. As a result, an accessible educational trail was successfully created. Moreover, the results evidence a consensus among participants regarding the value of the trail as an educational, touristic, and environmental infrastructure. Consequently, teacher training is reinforced as a platform for sustainability-driven action, enabling the creation of partnerships that facilitate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, the experience and methodologies developed through this project demonstrate potential for replication in other educational and social contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Gema Sánchez-Emeterio & Cristina Honrubia Montesinos & Alberto Gómez Pozos & David Sanchez-Ramos, 2025. "Transfer in Teacher Training: Integrating Socio-Environmental Issues Through an Educational Trail," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-28, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:18:p:8098-:d:1745369
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Julian Stolz & Heidi Elisabeth Megerle, 2022. "Geotrails as a Medium for Education and Geotourism: Recommendations for Quality Improvement Based on the Results of a Research Project in the Swabian Alb UNESCO Global Geopark," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-37, August.
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