ФОРМУВАННЯ ЕКОЛОГІЧНОЇ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТІ УЧНІВ ПОЧАТКОВИХ КЛАСІВ У ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОМУ КОНТЕКСТІ

Abstract

The article describes the existent problem of forming the ecological competence of primary class students in the European context. The meaning of the competence approach in the education process is determined. The article focuses on the educational outcomes that determine the ability of a student to act in various problematic situations. It clarifies the meaning of the concept of “environmental competence” in domestic and foreign pedagogical literature that is associated with the formation of critical thinking, responsibility and the ability not only to identify environmental problems, to find rational ways to solve them, but also to prevent their occurrence. Based on theoretical studies, educational programs on the environmental competences of primary school children in the European Union are analyzed. From an environmental point of view, primary school students have the opportunity to take responsibility for the environment, which they can directly affect, and to take an individual approach to global environmental problems. The article systematizes the basic forms (excursions, research works, “field routes” and “trails”, meetings) and methods (observation, projects) of students’ ecological competence. A creative and research work as well as a play are important components of active learning. The attention is drawn to the involvement of primary school students in environmental projects. The authors describe the principles of motivating students for environmental activity. They emphasize the child’s direct connection with nature. The examples of schools in Europe (Eberstein School, Mulle School) in which children are outdoors are described. Each of these schools has a school area or is located near a forest where teachers give lessons. Such lessons require special training of teachers; that is why teachers study ecology, the environment, and resources. Key words: environmental competence, the environment, primary school, sustainable development, Europe.