An evaluation of environmental education in selected primary schools in Pahang, Malaysia (IR)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current status of Environmental Education (EE) in four selected primary schools in Pahang, Malaysia based on international standards by UNESCO. It also aims to propose some best practices in EE for the primary school and to make recommendations for curric...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Teoh, Eng Seah
Format: thesis
Language:eng
Published: 2015
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ir.upsi.edu.my/detailsg.php?det=1295
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Summary:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current status of Environmental Education (EE) in four selected primary schools in Pahang, Malaysia based on international standards by UNESCO. It also aims to propose some best practices in EE for the primary school and to make recommendations for curriculum development in EE for the primary school. The study employed the case study design involving four selected national government primary schools. This study used qualitative research methods comprising in-depth interviews, observations and document analysis to collect data for analysis. Findings revealed uneven emphasis given to the implementation of EE at the four schools. It was found that projects involving environmental awareness were more prominent in one school whereas the other three schools did not emphasize on such projects. In curriculum instruction of subjects, there was minimum integration of EE in the lessons. The findings also revealed that EE across the curriculum was not fully implemented due to the lack of understanding in integrating EE in the classroom. Findings provide useful feedback to educational policy makers and curriculum developers. Among the best practices of EE proposed were that schools should embark on a holistic approach in EE where everyone has to be well informed and trained to maintain a sustainable environment. This implies that greater attention need to be paid to EE in schools and more importantly the practical implementation of EE in curriculum instruction that fulfils UNESCO standards. Finally, the study provided recommendations for effective teaching and learning approaches, activities and resources in EE.