Date of Award

2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Philosophy in Education (MPhil Ed.)

First Advisor

Dr Farid Panjwani

Department

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

Abstract

The growing environmental crisis necessitates a focus on environmental knowledge, attitude, and behavior in educational settings. Environmental education aims to improve people’s environmental behaviors. Improving knowledge, attitude and behavior related to the environment could be well developed at the early childhood level. The integration of environmental education in ECE curricula globally is essential for promoting sustainability and environmental literacy. 
The study explored the integration of environmental education principles within ECE curricula and practices in three private ECE schools representing diverse socio-economic contexts within the private sector. A qualitative multiple-case study approach was employed. The data was collected from teachers and students at ECE schools through document analysis of school curricula, face-to-face semi-structured interviews with the teachers, classroom observations, and focus group discussions with students. The data was analyzed using within and a cross-case analysis technique with the thematic approach.
The findings reveal that all three cases value environmental education and seek to integrate it both in curriculum and in classroom practices. However, there is much room for improvement, particularly through wider integration of EE across the curriculum and through introducing additional important ideas. Findings also reveal that teachers' knowledge of environmental education, and their understanding of its importance are deeply shaped by their childhood experiences. The findings also indicate the need for more professional development of teachers in this area. This research has led to some policy and practice-related recommendations and ideas for future research.

First Page

1

Last Page

121

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