EE Through Textbooks
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EVENTS
 
EE though Textbooks:
 
EE requires environmental dimensions or perspectives are integrated into the entire curricular system. This implies that the perspective in integrated or infused in all subjects – from science and social studies, to language, mathematics, arts and crafts. Also given the multidisciplinary nature of EE, teachers of all disciplines needs to be involved.
 
The challenge is to work out ways for such infusion to be done. In other words, how can textbooks be “greened”?
 
Here we would discuss what “greening” implies – what does it mean to achieve, and how can it be done? It also provides some ideas on how to identify and use opportunities so as to infuse an environmental perspective into whatever subject you may teach.
 
What is 'Greening'?
'Greening' textbooks is the process of bringing in environmental perspectives, concepts, information, data, questions, exercises, activities, visuals, action links, etc. into the textbook. This process would help the teacher meet the goals of environmental education, which are to develop Awareness, Knowledge, Skills, Attitudes and Action, which would help the individual to take appropriate actions to solve environmental problems, and to create a sustainable environment.
 
The textbook has to be greened both in terms of:
§         The content of what is written/suggested/depicted in the textbook, and
§         The way it lends itself to be taught-i.e., in a participatory, hands-on, experiential way, which encourages leamers to explore and learn about their environment, develops critical thinking, decision-making and problem solving skills, and encourages real-life action.
 
Greening tries to bring in an environmental perspective into whatever subject or topic the teacher is dealing with.
 
'Greening' is, thus both the process and the outcome of infusing environmental concepts into the school curriculum and teaching them through a variety of approaches and methodologies that would help to enhance and strengthen the established chalk-talk and textbook model.
 
The great challenge for educators-from those developing curricula and textbooks to the teachers who actually implement and use these is to work out models for effective infusion into different subjects. The key is not so much, what the contents are, but rather the perspective and approach in which the contents are taught.
 
An approach that takes a holistic perspective brings out the linkages and relationships that involve the students and which challenges them to explore their environment, their attitudes, and their values is what is required. The challenge therefore is to incorporate all this into daily teaching.
 
Greening also implies that all interventions should keep in view the fundamental premise that the teaching-learning process takes place in an atmosphere which is participatory, exploratory, active, empowering, and above all, enjoyable.
 
What will Greening help to achieve?
 
Bringing in an environmental perspective to textbooks would help students in the following ways:
§         Create and increase awareness about the numerous elements that make up the environment.
§         Learn a little more about the subject/topic in the lesson with specific reference to some environmental aspect.
§         See situations, as depicted in the lesson, in their broader environmental context.
§         Make linkages between seemingly unconnected components in the Lesson, and the overall context.
§         Make linkages, draw upon and integrate understandings from other disciplines.
§         Become aware of and appreciate the value of diversity, as adding richness to every aspect of life and learning.
§         Help students to view environment as an integral part of what they are Learning and doing.
§         Raise issues and encourage students to consider various ways of looking at these.
§         Develop sensitivity to, and appreciation of, the tremendous diversity in the natural and human world.
§         Instill values and attitudes, which reflect sensitivity, respect and responsibility in all aspect of life.
 
Greening: Where and How?
 
Some ways of infusing environmental perspectives in the existing books include:
§         Using the text of the lesson
§         Using the exercises following the lesson and adding new exercises.
§         Giving additional readings
§         Link with locale-specific examples
§         Providing activities to link concepts with life, and provide real-life examples
§         Adding text to supplement or explain concepts already in the lesson.
§         Adding examples to illustrate or highlight concepts.
§         Adding an environmental context and relevant perspective
§         Showing interconnections, linkages, and relationships.
§         Linking with ongoing concerns and contemporary issues.
§         Providing some action link through which students get some 'hands­-on' experience.
 


  
  
  


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