Today the world is concerned about environmental degradation. We are also facing the same problems. Pollution level is increasing day by day. People are not mending their ways to reduce the burden of solid waste. The same trend is being transmitted into children's lives. Environmental education is not bearing good fruits because the pedagogical trends are outdated. In the technological era we can't reach any positive conclusion unless smart techniques are applied. Environmental Science is being taught at the school level but the techniques used need improvement.

Environmental education can be made effective at the school level by incorporating the Following Strategies

Hands-on Learning Experiences

Environmental education should involve hands-on learning experiences, such as field trips, outdoor learning activities, and experiments. This helps students to understand the practical aspects of environmental issues. Hands-on learning experiences: Students can participate in activities like planting trees, creating a school garden, monitoring water quality in nearby streams, or collecting and analyzing air samples.

Interdisciplinary Approach

Environmental education should be taught in an interdisciplinary manner, integrating various subjects such as science, social studies, mathematics, and language arts. This helps students to understand the interconnectedness of environmental issues and how they relate to different subjects. Students can learn about the science behind climate change and its impact on society in their science classes, while also discussing its social and economic implications in their social studies classes.

Community Involvement

Environmental education should involve the community, including parents, local organizations, and experts in the field. This provides students with real-life examples and opportunities to connect with their community.: Students can partner with local environmental organizations to learn about local environmental issues and work on projects to help address them. They can also invite guest speakers or organize events to involve the broader community in their efforts.
Project-based learning: Environmental education should involve project-based learning, where students take on a project related to environmental issues, such as reducing waste or improving air quality. This allows students to apply what they have learned and make a positive impact in their community. Project-based learning: Students can take on projects such as designing and implementing a recycling program at their school, creating a composting system, or advocating for the reduction of single-use plastics.

Technology Integration

Environmental education should incorporate the use of technology, such as online resources, videos, and simulations. This provides students with a more interactive and engaging learning experience. Students can use online resources to research environmental issues, create digital media projects to raise awareness about environmental issues, or use simulations to explore complex environmental systems.

Teacher Training

Teachers should be provided with training and resources to effectively teach environmental education. This ensures that teachers have the necessary skills and knowledge to engage students in meaningful learning experiences.Teachers can receive training and resources to incorporate environmental education into their curriculum effectively. They can participate in professional development workshops or conferences focused on environmental education or access online resources like lesson plans and activities.
By implementing these strategies, environmental education can be made more effective at the school level, leading to a generation of environmentally conscious and responsible citizens.

Make it a Subject of Interest Among Children

Here are some ways to make environmental education a subject of interest among children

Make it Relevant

Children are more likely to be interested in a topic if they can see how it relates to their lives. Teachers can make environmental education relevant by connecting it to issues that affect the students' lives, such as pollution, climate change, or access to clean water.

Make it hands-on

Children learn best through hands-on experiences. Teachers can make environmental education more interesting by providing opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning experiences, such as planting trees, cleaning up litter, or monitoring water quality.

Make it Interactive

Children are more likely to be interested in a topic if they can actively participate in the learning process. Teachers can make environmental education more interactive by using games, simulations, and other interactive tools to help students learn.

Make it Fun

Children are more likely to be interested in a topic if they find it fun. Teachers can make environmental education more enjoyable by incorporating music, art, and other creative activities into their lessons.

Use Technology

Children are often drawn to technology, and teachers can use technology to make environmental education more interesting. Teachers can use videos, online simulations, and other digital resources to engage students.

Connect it to Careers

Children are often interested in learning about careers, and teachers can make environmental education more interesting by connecting it to environmental careers. Teachers can invite guest speakers or take students on field trips to environmental organizations or businesses to show how environmental education can lead to meaningful careers.
By using these strategies, teachers can make environmental education a subject of interest among children, leading to more engaged and motivated learners who are committed to protecting the environment.
We must use a variety of approaches to create awareness among children about environmental education.
Incorporating environmental education into the school curriculum: Many developed countries have incorporated environmental education into the school curriculum, making it a mandatory part of the education system. This ensures that all students are exposed to environmental education and provides a structured way to deliver this education.

Providing Resources for Teachers

Developed countries often provide resources and training for teachers to deliver environmental education effectively. This may include lesson plans, curriculum guides, professional development workshops, or online resources.

Encouraging Outdoor Learning

Developed countries often encourage outdoor learning experiences to help children connect with nature and learn about the environment. This may involve field trips to parks, nature centers, or other outdoor locations.

Public Awareness Campaigns

Developed countries often use public awareness campaigns to promote environmental education and encourage behavior change. These campaigns may use various media channels, such as television, social media, or billboards, to reach a wide audience.
Partnering with NGOs and community organizations: Developed countries often partner with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community organizations to deliver environmental education. These partnerships can provide additional resources and expertise to support environmental education programs.

Providing Funding for Environmental Education

Developed countries may provide funding to support environmental education programs, including funding for research, curriculum development, and teacher training.
Some practical’s that can be incorporated into the pedagogy for environmental education. (To Be Continued)

Email:--------------------manzoormalik3@gmail.com