Development of a conzept for Environmental Education at Schools
Author: Dr. G. Hädrich
Abstract
Environmental problems are an international topic in the present time of the globalization. Also in countries in Southeast Asia these problems increase by rising world-wide trade for example in the Kingdom of Thailand. Further, a rise of consumption is interconnected with this economic recovery. In this context, the increase of the solid waste production represents an essential one problem. This is additionally promoted by the population growth especially in conurbations.
Environmental problems are mainly based on population's ignorance. However, each individual should support the protection of environment and improvement of the world-wide situation by environment-conscious behaviour. Therefore basic knowledge is necessary and it is considered meaningful to integrate environmental education in all life areas especially in school education.
In Thailand, environmental education isn=t a component of the general instruction until the present time. However, the Thai government is striving for adjustment the education to a sustainable development. In order to support these efforts an environmental school project was started at a Thai comprehensive school. It contains the realization of a waste management master plan and an environmental educational concept. The concept to the environmental education based on current school projects and is adapted to the present school situation. It should bring the purpose and the function manner of the separate waste collection after value materials home to the students. Therefore knowledge of utilization possibilities and to the separate waste collection is arranged in lessons. The separate waste collection after value materials is introduced at the school in the framework of the waste management master plan. So a practice-near possibility is given to the students to apply the knowledge.