Education in Circular Economy: A Proposal for Transforming the Linear into the Circular

Abstract In light of contemporary socio-environmental challenges, it has become increasingly urgent to equip younger generations with competencies related to the circular economy (CE) from the early stages of formal education. This requires pedagogical approaches that are better aligned with the needs of modern learners, such as active methodologies, serious games, and playful activities. This study aims to propose an educational programme focused on teaching circular economy concepts to students in the final years of lower secondary education - a topic that remains underdeveloped in schools. The methodology involved a literature review, the administration of questionnaires to researchers in the field, and the snowball technique for identifying potential pedagogical tools. A lack of strategies to incorporate CE teaching in schools in a transversal manner was identified. To address this, a didactic sequence supported by active learning methodologies, digital resources, and original tools was developed and validated by pedagogues and teachers. The programme demonstrates flexibility and strong replicability potential, making it adaptable to various educational contexts, including corporate training environments. It is expected that this initiative will support educators in integrating CE into classroom practice and that students will enhance their knowledge, skills, and attitudes in favour of the circular economy.