An evaluation of environmental literacy of educators : a case study

Abstract

This study departs from the assumption that the environmental literacy of educators is significant in the effective implementation of environmental education. The study explores and interprets the environmental literacy of currently serving educators (in-service educators) in the towns of Makwassie and Wolmaransstad. Semi-structured and unstructured interviews were used for data collection in this qualitative, case study-based research inquiry. The interview schedule was designed to cover six concepts/issues, namely, pollution, global warming, the ozone layer, water, human population growth, and sustainable development. The findings reveal that the level of environmental literacy varies from educator to educator and that various factors influence the environmental literacy of educators. The study recommends meaningful, ongoing educator training and support, more research in the area of educator environmental literacy, as well as an investigation into classroom practice in order to determine the level of the implementation of environmental education.