From Environmental Awareness to Environmental Responsibility: Towards a Stewardship Curriculum

Abstract

The period of environmentalism heightened environmental concern and subsequently the emergence of Environmental Education that is anchored on awareness. It is thought that increase in environmental awareness will reverse the misuse of the environment and its resources. Four decades after the international call for Environmental Education, Earth's degradation is far from abating as it's pristinity is consistently and irreversibly being eroded by no less than from anthropocentric activities. Humans have seen themselves as the dominant species that is apart and not part of the organisms that constitute the environment. The philosophical value free nature concepts and the theological assumption that human are the ultimate species together with the rise of capitalism and its surrogates consumerism together conspire to diminuate environmental health. To protect the environment therefore, we must refocus EE to change human's view of the environment and attitude towards the utilization of its resources. Environmental education can become more effective in creating Journal of Educational IssuesISSN 2377-2263 2016, Vol. 2, No. 2www.macrothink.org/jei 61 respect for the environment. This paper examined the failure of efforts at addressing environmental issues via environmental education. The paper posits that environmental problems are on the increase due to lack of deliberate responsibility and stewardship, lack of a unique EE curricula and ineffective pedagogy. We suggest therefore that EE can target human perception and attitude and direct then towards biocentric stewardship for the environment. This can be achieved through a deliberate pedagogy of environmental values that promotes sustainable attitude and respect for the environment. Humans must bear the burden of responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of the environment. We must replace the philosophical value free nature concepts that nature is a common commodity and the theological assumption that humans are the ultimate species. We must also rethink our consumerism nature and the endless faith in the efficacy of technology to solve reoccurrence human induced ecological problems. These issues must be embedded in the school curriculum. Pedagogical approach to EE should essentially be the experiential model. The school curriculum must be the carrier and doer of these values that are crucial to the sustainability of the environment. Environmental ethics, environmental code of conduct, environmental nationalism, nature as manifestation of God, ascetic consumerism are recommended as key component of environmental curricula and pedagogy.

Green Concept: Customer Satisfaction in the Service Business

“…Environmental awareness is important in implementing the green concept in human activities. The awareness does not arise by itself, but it needs encouragement so that humans can understand the importance of environmental awareness to be able to save the earth and live peacefully with other creatures (Tam, 2016 andOmoogun et al, 2016). Green practices relate to how businesses are able to keep the environment from being damaged and stay healthy so that consumers (from the business) can be blessed (Sivamoorthy et al, 2013;Weng, Chen and Chen, 2015).…”

Applying the Awareness of Environmental Protection Into the Curriculum for Primary School Students in Vietnam via Practical Activities

“…They found that environmental pollution is caused by humans. This situation is exacerbated when the population grows rapidly and poverty has not been pushed back [1]. They identified educational goals, the most effective way to educate the awareness of environmental protection for primary school students through the mainstream subjects (such as Vietnamese, ethical, scientific, natural and social, historical and geographic, etc.…”

“…To protect, preserve and promote the values of national cultural heritage, Vietnam has achieved many outstanding achievements, many of which are of international significance, thanks to the effective use of tourism activities [1].…”

“…In order to overcome the environmental pollution, it is necessary to raise the awareness of environmental protection for everyone, including the awareness of environmental protection for primary school students [1]. The article analyzes the current situation of educating the awareness of environmental protection for primary school students in schools, pointing out its limitations and shortcomings; proposing a number of solutions to promote the education of environmental awareness awareness for primary school students today in Vietnam [3].…”

The Impact of Environmental Education Activities on Primary School Students’ Environmental Awareness and Visual Expressions

“…Today, educators state that students are in the position of information producer and that students should take an active role in the education process. When the relevant literature is examined, it is observed that researches related to environmental awareness and sensitivity are carried out (Danielraja, 2019;Egbonyi & Onnoghen, 2016;Hadzigeorgiou & Skoumios, 2013;Rogayan & Nebrida, 2019;Wihardjo et al, 2017). In addition, it has been determined that the sensitivity and awareness of the students taking environmental education in the related field have increased (Yener & Kalipci, 2007).…”