Environmental Education in Transvaal Secondary Schools and its Relation to the Teaching of Biology and Geography.

Overview & Synopsis

Various individuals have expressed the opinion that South African school children are insufficiently trained in environmental education. This study is an attempt to assess the situation in secondary schools under the control of the Transvaal Education Department. Special attention is paid to the teaching of biology and geography as vehicles for environmental education. The assessment, made against the background of recent world developments in the theory and practice of environmental education, is based on a review of: (1) secondary school syllabi for biology and geography (aims, objectives, course content); (2) teacher training with special reference to pre-/in-service environmental education; (3) relevant resources (including fieldwork venues and teaching aids), both with regard to suitability and availability; and (4) contributions made by both governmental and non-governmental administrative, advisory, and supplementary organizations. The study concludes that, while the Transvaal Education Department is making a contribution toward the development of environmental education in its secondary schools, there are a number of areas in which improvements could be made. Recommendations are reported under the following headings: frames of reference, aims of school syllabi, content of school syllabi, pre-service teacher training, inservice-teacher training/facilities, resource materials, syllabus/subject committees, government auxiliary services/organizations, and role of non-governmental organizations. (JN)