The implementation of environmental learning in grades 8-10 Geography in the Caprivi region, Namibia

Abstract

The Namibian curriculum is premised on the view that there is a need for a holistic development and preparation of learners for a knowledge-based society. The draft National Environmental Education policy, the basic education policy and curriculum development processes in Namibia devolved the power and responsibility to implement environmental learning practice to schools. This research focus on the extent to which schools coordinate environmental education (EE) activities, educators’ perception of their environment, knowledge of EE processes, assessment approaches, the out-door activities, learning support materials, community involvement and EE school policy issues. Wickenburg (2000:56) affirms that “for substantial learning to take place, stakeholders should work actively and establish local supportive structures for EE in Schools”. Educators are expected to deal with practical issues which create opportunities for learners to develop environmentally responsive knowledge, skills and attitudes. The research design is a mixed methods research approach, which includes aspects of the quantitative and qualitative approach. The methodology involved data collection methods such as interviews with educators and a local EE officer, focus group discussions with learners and a self-assessment questionnaire for educators. The data was then analysed and interpreted in relation to a set of theoretical perspectives. The research concluded that educators have knowledge of factual information about environmental learning topics such as population, biodiversity and environmental degradation. Educators have the comprehension of indigenous knowledge and continuously assess learners. Educators however, seldom communicated the way people’s cultural activities affect the environment and did not value cultural practice and indigenous knowledge. Many educators did not use the local environments to do practical activities with learners. Schools did not have EE school policy, rarely practised outdoor activities and local communities are not involved school EE activities. Learners are knowledgeable of their local environmental issues. Based on the finding of the research I came up with a list of recommendations to guide the process of implementation of environmental learning at schools.