Survey on the Current Status of Ecocentric Environmental Education in Korean Alternative Schools

Abstract

This study explored the current status of ecocentric environmental education in alternative schools. We analyzed the aims, curriculum, environmental activities of 42 alternative schools in Korea from their homepages and guidebooks. For more information, additional interviews with teachers were also conducted. As a resuts, the ratio of schools aiming ecologism were relatively low, however, 36 (85.7%) of 42 alternative schools included ecologism in their educational goals directly or indirectly. 39 schools included an environmental education in their curriculum, and 3 environmental class was opened in a week on the average. The most frequently used environmental activity in alternative schools was “recycling of solid wastes”, and then “reducing use of disposable products”, and “using environment-friendly, and recycled products” were followed. “Using water-purifier tank” and using alternative energy were also practiced. Educational implications of results were discussed.