GEOGRAPHY EDUCATORS' PERCEPTIONS OF TEACHING ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLS

Abstract

The relationship between geography and environmental education, as perceived by South African geography educators, is explored in this study which was conducted as part of an international survey of geography teachers and teachers educators. Overall, South African geography educators strongly support the teaching of environmental education through school geography, particularly with regard to the development of environmental awareness, environmental knowledge and environmental attitudes. Less support is given to encouraging students' active commitment to and participation in environmental causes. South African geographers are more open to the idea of formal linkages between environmental education and geography education than their international counterparts, however, their overuse of teacher-centred instructional methods may hinder their attempts to address goals of environmental education. The need to place greater emphasis on student-centred teaching methods such as fieldwork and student action in and for the environmental is indicated. Such approaches will be suited to the new emphasis on outcomes-based education in South African schools.

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