The implementation of environmental education in the Ubombo circuit schools
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Date
2014
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University of Zululand
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the implementation of environmental education in schools in the senior phase across the curriculum in the Ubombo circuit. The study targeted Senior Phase educators in General Education and Training because it is the last band in the senior phase where environmental education should be implemented. The study used mixed approach, a combination of both qualitative and quantitative methods. Sampling of participants was random, owing to the vastness of the circuit and schools are far from each other. The first research instruments were administered to Senior Phase educators and subject advisors to solicit their understanding of environmental education and its implementation across the curriculum in the Senior Phase. The second instruments were interview and observation, the main purpose was to collect information from environmental officers and school governing body members about their role and understanding of environmental education as well as its implementation in schools.
The research results showed that environmental education was not formally implemented across the curriculum in schools in the senior phase. The research findings and existing literature shows that there are different challenges regarding the implementation of environmental education across the curriculum in schools. These challenges cut across the geographical divide. They include shortages of policy guidelines, resources, inadequate workshops, changing curriculum, attitude of educators towards the implementation of environmental education and shortage of specialist environmental educators. The research findings further revealed that educators lack content knowledge about environmental education. The general understanding is that environmental education is about plants and animals. Even district managers, circuit managers and ward managers did not understand all the dynamics of environmental education. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and other non-governmental environmental organisations are still conducting workshops on environmental education for schools.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Masters of Science Education in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education at the University of Zululand, 2014
Keywords
school curriculum --environmental education --Ubombo