Experts’ Perspectives on Myths in Sustainability Education: A Podcast-based Interview Study
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2026-06-07
Author(s)
Abstract
Sustainability education (SE) is vital for fostering integrative thinking and responsible action but is hindered by myths that shape perceptions of SE’s purpose, scope, and methods. This study explores the emerging field of myths in sustainability education (MYTHSE), examining their characteristics, causes, consequences, and strategies for addressing them. A preregistered interview study was conducted including seven international experts in sustainability education, cognitive psychology, and misinformation research, using semi-structured, podcast-based interviews. Data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis. Findings reveal diverse expert perspectives on MYTHSE, highlighting common myths such as equating SE with environmental education or assuming factual knowledge alone drives behavioral change. Causes include cognitive biases and cultural narratives, with detrimental consequences like perpetuating ineffective teaching practices. Experts emphasized the need for strategies beyond myth debunking, advocating for prebunking. This study underscores the importance of addressing MYTHSE as a dedicated research agenda and calls for more research and evidence-informed practices.
Language
English
Keywords
expert
interview
MYTHSE
sustainability education
myth
misconception
evidence
fact
podcast
esd
educational research
psychology
misinformation
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Event Title
EARLI SIG 4 & 11 Conference 2026 "Innovation and Reflection in Teacher Education and Higher Education"
Event Location
University of Helsinki, Finland
Division(s)
Contact Email Address
stefan.siegel@unisg.ch
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
open.access
Name
Siegel 2026 Expert Interview Study MYTHSE Talk EARLI SIG4, 11 Helsinki.pdf
Size
5.92 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
081ed06674393649c578f85a5c4f769a