ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Course objectives

The objective of the course is to enhance students’ awareness of the environmental challenges and influence change in their attitude and behavior towards caring for the environment.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students should be able to:

v To state and explain the principles of environmental education and trace the history and philosophy of Environmental Education.

v Discuss the challenges of the environment the world is facing today, and to find the best solutions to those challenges.

v To identify the human behavior and culture that are not environmentally sound and explain the role of education in changing them.

v  To identify different Environmental conservation skills and critically analyze the applicability of those skills in Tanzanian context.

Course description

This course introduces students to the principles, methodologies of environmental education and impacts knowledge and skills for making environmentally responsible decisions in the management of environment and natural resources. The course delivery methods include lectures, group discussions and presentations.

Delivery: 30 lectures, 15 group presentations.

Assessment: Course work (40%), final examination (60%)

                    Coursework: Test (15%), group presentation (15%), and quiz (10%).

Course outline:

Topic 1: Principles of Environmental Education

1.1 Concepts and principles of environmental education

1.2 History and philosophy of environmental education

1.3 Approaches in environmental education

1.4 Acquisition of environmental knowledge.

Topic 2: The Environment and its challenges.

2.1 Physical and cultural components of the environment

2.2 Population, resources and environmental challenges

Topic 3: Human Behavior, Culture and the Environment.

        3.1Factors influencing human behavior towards the environment

        3.2 The role of education awareness, attitude, motivation, and commitment to improve 

               Environmental quality

        3.3 Changing detrimental environmental behaviors

Topic 4: Skills and Expertise in Environmental Management

        4.1 Methods in environmental education

        4.2 Environmental conservation skills (Use reduction, re-use, recycling)

        4.3 Waste management skills

        4.4 Energy saving technology.

Topic 5: The role of Environmental Education in Sustainable development

Case studies.

Basic  Readings:

Boyce, J.K (2002). The Political Economy of Environment, Edward Elgal, Chelternham, U.K

Hackle, J and A. Martin (2001). Environments in a Changing World, Prentice Hall.

Otiende ,J.E (1991). Environmental Education, African Books Collection, Oxford.

Palmer, J and P Neal (1994). The Handbook of Environmental Education, Routledge London.

Simmons, D (1998). ” Reflections on Environmental Education :Promise and Performance”Canadian Journal of Environmental Education, 3, Spring 1998, pp 41-47, p 44.