MODULE 2A.

Overview of Environmental Education

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the module, you should be able to:

1. Develop your own perspective about environmental education.
2. Differentiate environmental education from environmental information.
3. Improve awareness and sensitivity towards environmental problems.

Introduction:

Environmental education is a process that allows individuals to explore environmental issues,

engage in problem solving, and take action to improve the environment. As a result, individuals develop
a deeper understanding of environmental issues and have the skills to make informed and responsible
decisions. Responsible action is taken to improve the environment. Environmental education helps
students understand how their decisions and actions affect the environment, acquire knowledge and
develop skills necessary to address complex environmental issues and take appropriate actions to keep
the environment healthy and sustainable for the future generation.

Environmental education includes the following:

1. Awareness and sensitivity to the environment and environmental challenges.
2. Knowledge and understanding of the environment and environmental challenges.
3. Attitudes of concern for the environment and motivation to improve or maintain environmental
quality.
4. Skills to identify and help resolve environmental challenges.
5. Participation in activities that lead to the resolution of environmental challenges.

Environmental education does not advocate a particular viewpoint or course of action. Rather,
environmental education teaches individuals how to weigh various sides of a issue through critical
thinking and it enhances one’s own problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Environmental Education Environmental Information

1. Increases public awareness and
knowledge of environmental issues
2. Teaches individuals critical thinking
3. Enhances individual’s problem solving
and decision-making skills
4. Does not advocate a particular viewpoint
1. Provides facts or opinions about
environmental issues
2. Does not necessarily teach individuals
critical thinking
3. Does not necessarily enhance individual’s
problem solving and decision making-skills
4. May advocate a particular viewpoint