A Learning Resource Packet
in
BUILDING ECO-LITERACY
in the 21st Century
Global Action for Sustainable Future
Caroline Nazareno-Gabis
Instructor, College of Arts and Sciences
Tarlac Agricultural University
Lesson 1: Roots of Environmental Education
Target Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Explain the historical context and development of environmental education.
2. Identify key figures and events that shaped the field.
3. Demonstrate the interdisciplinary nature of environmental education.
4. Recognize the ongoing challenges and future directions of environmental education.
Abstraction
Environmental education plays a crucial role in equipping individuals with the knowledge and
skills needed to address the pressing environmental challenges facing our planet today. By
exploring environmental issues, individuals are encouraged to engage in critical thinking,
thereby fostering a holistic understanding of the complex interplay between ecological, social,
and economic factors. This educational approach empowers people to analyze information,
evaluate diverse perspectives, and develop solutions that are informed, balanced, and
responsible. Importantly, environmental education does not prescribe specific solutions or
viewpoints; rather, it nurtures independent thought and action, enabling individuals to
contribute positively to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. Ultimately,
such education cultivates a generation of informed citizens capable of making decisions that
support the health and vitality of our environment.
COMPONENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
•Awareness and sensitivity to the environment and environmental
challenges
•Knowledge and understanding of the
environment and environmental challenges
•Skills to identify and help resolve
environmental challenges
•Attitudes of concern for the environment and motivation to
improve or maintain environmental quality
•Participation in activities that lead to the resolution of environmental
challenges
Historical Background of
Environmental Education
Early Influences
1762: Jean-Jacques Rousseau publishes "Emile: or, On Education,"
emphasizing the importance of education focusing on the environment.
1807: Louis Agassiz, a Swiss-born naturalist, encourages students to "Study
nature, not books."
Nature Study Movement
Late 19th - Early 20th Century: The Nature Study movement emerges,
using fables and moral lessons to help students develop an appreciation of
nature. Anna Botsford Comstock, head of the Department of Nature Study
at Cornell University, writes the "Handbook for Nature Study" in 1911.
Conservation Education
1920s - 1930s: Conservation Education arises during the Great Depression
and Dust Bowl, focusing on rigorous scientific training to address social,
economic, and environmental problems.
Modern Environmental Education Movement
1960s - 1970s: The modern environmental education movement gains
momentum. Influential events include the publication of Rachel Carson's
"Silent Spring" and the first Earth Day on April 22, 19701.
1970: The first article about environmental education as a new movement
appears in Phi Delta Kappan, authored by James A. Swan.
1975: The Belgrade Charter is written by UNESCO, outlining the goals and
objectives of environmental education.
Key Developments
1977: The Intergovernmental Conference on Environmental Education is
held, further solidifying the importance of environmental education.
1980s - Present: Environmental education continues to evolve, with various
programs, materials, and conferences contributing to its growth and
diversity.
Some of the programs and Initiatives of the government:
1. Expanded National Greening Program (ENGP)
DepEd Components in relation to ENGP includes Gulayan sa
Paaralan, Tree Planting, and ALS Lingap Kalikasan
2. Philippine Association of Tertiary Level Educational
Institutions in Environmental Protection and Management
(PATLEPAM)
Objectives:
• enhance environmental awareness and skills of tertiary level
students and faculty members.
• assist in curriculum development for environmental
management among tertiary level educators.
• conduct collaborative programs on instruction, research and
development and extension in environmental management.
Achievements:
• endorsed a resolution to CHED on the integration of a 3-unit
course on environment and sustainable development into the
general education curriculum
• conducted trainings on environmental impact assessment,
environmental education, environmental management systems
and biodiversity conservation.
Date
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WORKSH
A. Individual Activity
Design a Collage of the Benefits of Environmental
Education using a PPT or Canva App.
You can use different digital images but give credit to your
sources.
B. Group Activity
CREATE A TIMELINE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION based on
the Reading Material provided. Use this template. Use another sheet
of paper. You may also use a digital application.
Score: ________
Instructor’s Name & Signature
Answer Sheet
Name:
Course and Section:
Date:
Score:
References
Reference 1
McCrea, Edward J. The Roots of Environmental Education: How the Past Supports
the Future https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED491084.pdf
Reference 2
Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE) Fostering Partnership for the
Environment
Reference 3
The Value of Environmental Education https://youtu.be/KFYDlTr3Lws
Reference 4
Ecological Literacy https://earthbuddies.net/ecological-literacy-ineducation/#:~:text=Ecological%20literacy%20refers%20to%20a%20comprehensive%20u
nderstanding%20of,the%20impact%20of%20human%20activities%20on%20these%20s
ystems.
Reference 5
What is Ecoliteracy https://sites.google.com/wvsu.edu.ph/21stcenturylearning/home/ecoliteracy/about-ecoliteracy