Understanding environment

THE PROBLEMS related to environment are increasing faster than envisaged. There is a growing concern among naturalists, environmentalists and ornithologists about the threat to the environment, pollution, the vanishing greens and the extinction of certain species of animals. Definitely all these are the results of various human acts. This problem has far-reaching consequences and it can be solved only by making the people, environment conscious.

How can we achieve total environment-literacy so that everyone will strive for a clean and neat environment with bio-diversity? The seed for any type of behaviour can be best sown in the mind at a tender age. So, school is the right place for imparting environmental education. Though this is made a part of science subject in most of the curricula, it has not served the purpose. It is dealt merely as teacher explaining the topic and making the students take down certain ready-made questions and answers, with no one understanding the seriousness of the subject.

The aim of environmental education should be to develop awareness of themselves and their environment. This should be extended through observation, exploration, investigation and discovery using the senses.

Environmental education should be perceived as education from the environment, about the environment and for the environment. The students spirit of enquiry, investigation, communication and their ways of solving related problems should be accepted and appreciated. A knowledge and understanding of environmental process and concepts like ecological atmosphere, green house effect, water conservation and soil erosion should be imparted to the students.

The basic observation skills can be developed through questions and discussions. The students should be given sensory experiences like looking, observing, handling, feeling, listening, smelling and tasting. Teachers as motivators must encourage behaviours which are environmentally sustainable. They should take it as their responsibility to create a sensitivity towards environment.

If the teachers play their role effectively many of the pollution related problems can be solved in the near future. If the students are sensitized to the problems of surroundings, they will hesitate to throw a plastic bag which is non-bio-degradable. It is said that students of a Delhi school refused to buy food items which come in such plastic bags. This explains the influence the teachers can have on their students.

The teachers can cultivate in their pupils curiosity, interest and respect for themselves and their world. The students attempts and contributions to a better environment should be valued and appreciated in a positive way.

LEELA MADHUSUDAN

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