Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.31784/zvr.14.1.10
Education for the circular economy: knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary school teachers
Dijana Mečev
orcid.org/0000-0001-8759-8030
; Veleučilište u Šibeniku, Šibenik, Hrvatska
Sažetak
Global challenges related to resource depletion, climate change, and biodiversity loss require a transformation of economic and social models. In this context, the circular economy offers a sustainable alternative to the linear model, and the educational system is recognized as a key driver of this change. With this in mind, the present study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary school teachers in Zadar and Šibenik-Knin counties regarding the circular economy, as well as their readiness to incorporate this concept into the primary education curriculum. The research was conducted using a quantitative survey method on a sample of 382 teachers. The questionnaire consisted of four sections: understanding of the circular economy concept, everyday practices related to circular behavior, attitudes toward integrating the concept into the curriculum, and socio-demographic data. Results showed that teachers most often associate the circular economy with waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, as well as with zero-waste concepts and sustainable production. The most common practices are waste sorting and purchasing products made from recycled materials, while buying refurbished products and using sharing services are rare. The majority of respondents (88.7%) believe that the circular economy should be included in the primary school curriculum, with integration most frequently suggested through science subjects and extracurricular activities. However, a significant portion of teachers advocate its inclusion through elective rather than mandatory subjects, indicating some caution regarding additional curriculum load. The study concludes that teachers possess a basic understanding of the circular economy concept and a positive attitude toward its educational value, but the preference for elective implementation highlights the need for gradual and flexible integration of this concept into the educational system, alongside enhanced professional support for teachers.
Ključne riječi
circular economy; education for circular economy; primary education; teachers
Hrčak ID:
348093
URI
Datum izdavanja:
3.7.2026.
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