Integration of Environmental Education in Elementary Schools by E. Sukma, S. Ramadha, and V. IndriyaninIn this article, three researchers in Indonesia surveyed the attitudes and opinions of environmental education among elementary school teachers. The study revealed that a high percentage of teachers strongly agreed that educating students about their environment, beginning in elementary school, was important. However, many disagreed that enough time was built into the curriculum to integrate it. Nearly every teacher agreed that special training is needed to teach environmental education to students.
These results emphasize the many disparities within teaching environmental education. In this course, the topic of environmental justice discussed the discrimination many minority groups experience, such as disproportionately facing environmental burdens and a lack of accessible education. One can appreciate the importance of requiring specific qualifications to teach environmental education, however, it also can be used as a method to delay the execution of environmental education in areas with less resources. Although this study was in Indonesia, the results are applicable in other countries, such as here in the United States. This source highlights the common beliefs in elementary educators, and can be used to advocate for the many benefits of teaching environmental education. - Annotation by Ava Cully, Fall 2023