Teachers could use
projects as part of their environmental education, as projects are guided self-studies
which encourages independent enquiry (Enviro Facts, 1999b).
WHY USE PROJECTS?
- Projects offer the child a "hands-on" experience,
a chance to take action and to become involved with his/her environment. In working on a
project the children have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and explore their
attitudes to environmental issues.
- Projects, because of their hands-on and self-study
components, allow children to develop skills, such as time management, workinh with
people, public speaking, acting on their own initiative, observation, recording,
classifying and identifying.
- Projects can be enjoyable, exciting and rewarding.
- Environmental projects have the potential of inspiring in
children an interest in and appreciation of the environment.
HOW TO SET A PROJECT?
- Introduce children to the area in which you would like them
to work in an innovative, stimulating and exciting way as to arouse interest.
- The topic will depend on the age of the children and the
environmental issue to be handled.
- The resources (people, places, books, newspapers...) should
lead children to investigate their local environmental features or issues, such as a waste
dump, pond, open field, or people's opinions.
- The presentation could describe the project in the form of a
song, colour poster or slide show.
- Evaluation criteria should be clear and realistic goals
should be set. The child's potential should be taken into account when evaluating
performance.
- A realistic deadline as well as clear instructions are
essential.
A LAST WORD...
The project has to be guided, in order to
develop the particular skills identified at the start of the project. The environmental
issues must also constantly be emphasised in order to build environmental awareness.
Motivation is also very crucial in a successful project.
REFERENCES
Enviro Facts 1999b: Environmental Projects.
http://www.botany.ac.za/EnvFacts/facts/projects.htm |
