The Key Dimensions of Environmental Education

Environmental Education involves the integration of three key dimensions:

• education in the environment
• education about the environment
• education for the environment

A balanced Environmental Education programme addresses all three dimensions.

Education in the environment

Experiences beyond the classroom in both natural and built environments not only provide opportunities for students to gain first-hand experience in the environment but also enhance classroom-based work. These opportunities can be used to develop skills in observation, data collection, practical inquiry and investigation, and the use of specialist technology. Such situations can also require social and co-operative skills, group-work skills, communication skills, and problem-solving skills.

Opportunities for such experiences will vary, depending on the local environment, but all national curriculum statements provide opportunities for learning experiences outside the classroom.

The Ministry of Education publication on education outside the classroom (EOTC), Anywhere, Everywhere, provides guidelines for education in the environment. Quality outdoor experiences that have a clear sense of purpose and are well managed can help students to develop an appreciation of and a concern for the environment.

Education about the environment

Knowing about and understanding the natural and built environments and appreciating the key social, political, ecological, and economic factors that influence decision making on local, national, and global issues is critical if students are to meet the aims of environmental education.

Cultural awareness, economic activities, political decisions, ecological understandings, and health and safety issues are all factors that influence education about the environment. The national curriculum statements provide frameworks for knowing about and considering these factors, which will help students to establish their own environmental values and attitudes.

Education for the environment

Education for the environment is intrinsically linked to the "affective" aspects of Environmental Education as it deals with people's emotions and their willingness to make lifestyle choices that help maintain and improve the quality of the environment.

Education for the environment is based on students' knowledge and understanding about the environment and their practical experiences in the environment. All three aspects are interdependent.

Education for the environment seeks ways in which people can minimise their impact on the environment. In a society that values freedom and choice and where resources are finite, it is important to develop a sense of responsibility about the social and natural environments of local, national, and international communities. Environmental Education promotes informed concern that enables individuals and groups to take effective action on environmental issues.

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