Environmental Education

Learners of the twenty-first century are no longer satisfied with traditional classroom instruction practises. The collection of data, processing of information and demonstration of knowledge continues to shift therefore educators must be willing to adapt methods and ideals to better satisfy academics learning needs. The  benefits of incorporating environmental education within the classroom became the subject of investigation for this weeks class.  The document Acting Today, Shaping Tomorrow discusses the role educators play in informing students about the world around them in order to become more active contributors to society. “It is critical that we help students understand how our individual and collective behaviour affects the environment, and how environmentally responsible lifestyles can con- tribute to healthy, sustainable ecosystems. Environmental education is a vital tool that helps young people understand the nature and complexity of environmental challenges and builds their capacity to take appropriate action” (4).  Through environmental education educators provide academics  with the opportunity to recognize the connections between economic development, environmental well being, and self identity and growth.  The implementation of the program in schools aims on creating awareness in order to better promote change in actions, behaviours and beliefs.  “It seeks to promote changes in personal behaviour and organizational practices that will allow us to minimize our ecological footprint, while also fostering greater community engagement in meeting that goal” (5). 

The speaker presented in the Ted Talk video discusses the importance of engaging student interest in becoming active participants in environmental education. Eric Fuchs-Stengel discusses the importance of integrating environmentalism, a social movement, within the classroom as there continues to be a lack of awareness in global environmental issues. 

The speaker identifies the Mahwah Environmental Volunteer Organization which focuses on raising awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability. The speaker describes his hands on approach to tackling these issues which he claims has the ability to change the ways in which academics interpret their role and the world around them. Student engagement and awareness of contemporary issues allows for appropriate action to take place to make for a better future. Educators must work together with their pupils to inspire change in order to create a more bountiful, prosperous society for future generations.

Educators play an integral role on enlightening academics on how to become environmentally responsible individuals in order to contribute and protect sustainable ecosystems.  During my practicum placement I had the opportunity to lead learners on an investigation of the importance of developing effective recycling practises. The incorporation of this environmental study significantly heightened academics ability, interest and determination to practise effective recycling habits. In addition to recognizing their role in adapting effective habits, students were challenged to inform their families and friends on what they had learned.  Allowing students the opportunity to guide and inform others provides them with feelings of satisfaction as they take on a leadership to help others. I recognized a very positive response from academics as their want to learn about contemporary environmental issues increased. The inclusion of environmental education in the classroom aims to not only inform academics on the  negative consequences of environmental challenges but also develops their ability to become more active twenty-first century individuals. Additionally, the well keeping and management of our planet becomes a world wide issue which is something that all individuals share no matter race, sex or nationality. Together, along with our students, we must work in collaboration to create a more sustainable living environment for all.