Teaching Environmental Concepts, Attitudes and Behaviour Through Geography Education: Findings of an International Survey

Abstract

Geography educators' perceptions of the aims of environmental education and its place in the teaching of geography were investigated in an international study. Questionnaire responses from 419 geography teachers and teacher educators in 18 countries indicate that geography educators perceive that most of what they teach in geography is environmental education and support the notion of teaching environmental education across the curriculum. Generally, geography educators focus on developing environmental knowledge and attitudes in the classroom rather than on influencing student decision-making and action in relation to the environment. The need for teacher education in environmental education is acknowledged and should be addressed not only through formal means but also through the provision of literature, teaching resources and assistance in the use of field experiences and local environmental action as teaching methods.