Exam (elaborations)
EED2601 Assignment 1 2024
- Institution
- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
EED2601 Assignment 1 2024
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EED2601 ASSESSMENT 01SHORT-ESSAY QUESTIONS
ACTIVITY 1
Environmental education is an emerging field that has been around for some years. Yet
it is not an easy field to tie down (if one would want to): its boundaries are fuzzy and
interpretations of its documents, foundations and directions are multiple.
1.1. In your understanding, define environmental education?
Environmental education is like a guidebook that teaches us about nature and how to
look after it. It's all about understanding how the things we do impact the environment
and finding ways to keep it safe. Think of it as learning how to be good caretakers of the
Earth by living in balance with nature. This kind of education helps us make smart
choices and take actions that help both us and the planet. It usually involves different
subjects, hands-on learning, and getting involved in environmental problems close to
home and around the world.
1.2. Explain why environmental education is considered an emerging field
with fuzzy boundaries.
Environmental education is often seen as a new and evolving area with unclear
boundaries, influenced by several factors.
Firstly, it encompasses a broad range of perspectives, including ecological, social,
cultural, and economic aspects. These differing viewpoints lead to debates and
varying interpretations regarding the objectives, methods, and priorities of
environmental education. Additionally, the intricate nature of environmental issues,
which are interconnected and multifaceted, adds to the flexible boundaries within the
field. Addressing these issues requires not only scientific knowledge but also an
understanding of socio-political and ethical dimensions, further complicating the
definition of the field's scope.
In addition to that, environmental education is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing
insights from various fields such as ecology, education, sociology, and economics.
This interdisciplinary approach blurs the lines between disciplines and encourages
diverse teaching and learning methods about the environment. Moreover,
environmental challenges evolve over time due to factors like technological
progress, globalization, and shifts in societal values. Consequently, environmental
education methods must continuously adjust to changing circumstances, contributing
to the dynamic nature of the field.
, Another factor contributing to the ambiguous boundaries of environmental education
is the variability of environmental issues across different geographical regions and
cultural contexts. Sustainable practices or environmental priorities in one area may
not be relevant elsewhere, leading to differences in educational approaches.
Additionally, the field is marked by ongoing learning and adaptation in response to
new information, emerging challenges, and societal demands. This continual
process of learning and adjustment add to the flexible boundaries within the field as
environmental education evolves to address current environmental concerns.
1.3. Why is it important for teachers in environmental education to teach learners
about the different notions of environmental education history and how they
influence us? Give examples.
It's important for teachers in environmental education to teach students about the
different ideas from the history of environmental education and how they impact us
today.
Understanding Change over Time: Learning about past ideas helps students see how
society's views on nature and the environment have evolved. For example, in the past,
some people focused on outdoor activities and crafts to connect with nature. Now, we
emphasize the interconnectedness of nature and people, and how our actions affect
the environment.
Recognizing Influences: Studying old environmental ideas shows students how societal
values and power dynamics shape our environmental attitudes. For instance, some
environmental issues might get more attention because they benefit certain groups or
industries. This helps students question why some problems are prioritized over others.
Empowering Critical Thinking: By exploring the history of environmental education,
students can form their own opinions and make informed choices about environmental
issues. They can look at how people tackled these problems in the past and use that
knowledge to think about how we can care for the environment in the future.
, ACTIVITY 2
Environmental education processes need to take into consideration the history
and context behind certain environmental issues and their implications for
communities and their lived contexts.
2.1 In the context of your local community or region, how would you design and
implement an educational initiative that integrates the three-pillars model of
sustainable development (Thatcher, 2014) to address one environmental challenge that
you have identified and contribute to the achievement of one or more Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)? Consider the cultural, economic, and environmental factors
that are unique to your area.
Please outline the following in your response:
1. Identify one challenge or issue in your local community that align with the
Sustainable Development Goals.
2.
One environmental challenge in our local community is the excessive use of single- use
plastics, leading to pollution of waterways and harm to local wildlife. This aligns with
several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 12: Responsible
Consumption and Production, Goal 14: Life below Water, and Goal 15: Life on Land.
Describe how you would integrate the three pillars of sustainable development into
the curriculum or educational activities to address the identified challenge.
To integrate the three pillars of sustainable development into the curriculum or educational
activities to address the excessive use of single-use plastics, we can design a
comprehensive approach:
Social Pillar: Start by educating learners about the social consequences of plastic
pollution. This includes discussing its impact on human health and livelihoods, such as
how plastic waste can contaminate water sources and harm local communities who rely
on these resources. Encourage students to engage in community clean-up efforts to
directly address plastic pollution in their surroundings. Additionally, foster a sense of
responsibility by encouraging students to advocate for responsible plastic use within their
families and communities.
Economic Pillar: Explore alternative packaging solutions and sustainable business models
that reduce reliance on single-use plastics. Introduce students to businesses that have
successfully transitioned to using eco-friendly materials or implementing circular economy
practices. Discuss the economic benefits of such transitions, including cost savings in the
long term and opportunities for innovation and job creation. Encourage students to
brainstorm ideas for sustainable business ventures or initiatives within their community
that promote responsible consumption and production.
Environmental Pillar: Teach learners about the environmental impacts of plastic pollution
on ecosystems and biodiversity. Highlight the importance of preserving biodiversity in local
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