Educators’ Perspectives on Environmental Education in India

Abstract

This chapter documents the perspective of educators on the ability to teach environmental education (EE) in formal and non-formal education settings. It aims to answer the question “How should educators be prepared so that EE is effective and meaningful for the learner?” Based on interviews with a school principal, a schoolteacher, and facilitators at two community vocational and life-long learning centers, the chapter highlights perspectives on EE, training and implementation challenges, and successes in integrating EE into overall learning and training programs. We discuss the existing fragmented approach to EE; although it increases environmental awareness and activities overall, the increase comes with only limited understanding of the depth and linkages of environmental issues. Three approaches show promise in improving current EE delivery: offering teacher training that conveys more environmental knowledge, especially in relation to global and local carbon footprints; giving systemic priority to EE and offering incentives to teach it; and engaging learners through inquiry-based learning.