Professional paper
The Prevalence of Environmental Topics in Elementary School Science Textbooks in Croatia and in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Daniela Novoselić
orcid.org/0000-0002-8090-897X
Irella Bogut
Zvonimir Užarević
; Faculty of Primary Education in Osijek University of Josip Juraj Strossmayer
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to determine the prevalence of topics in elementary school textbooks aimed at educating fi rst to fourth grade students on environmental issues in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to identify any possible changes that should be made to the curriculum. In accordance with the current Act on textbooks, the resources in this study included the appropriate compulsory schoolbooks as well as any necessary accompanying supplementary resources for students in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. An abundance of varying environmental topics in textbooks along with many diverse teaching strategies are necessary for the acquisition of continual environmental knowledge as well as the development of a responsible attitude towards nature and environmental protection. The study of environmental issues leads to the development of creative, logical and critical thinking skills among students. These skills are necessary for the preservation of nature, as well as maintaining a positive attitude towards the use of natural resources throughout further industrial development in order to help preserve the Earth’s natural balance and biodiversity. However, the results of this study demonstrate a very vague representation of environmental issues in schoolbooks as well as a lack of correlation with other subjects. Furthermore, the few existing topics do not promote the conceptual understanding of environmental issues, do not aim to benefi t environmental problem solving students are expected to have in modern society and are not well adjusted to the level of cognitive development of the students. The results of this study indicate the need for the creation of a new, modern science curriculum in which environmental issues play a more prominent role, with the aim of allowing students to successfully acquire appropriate knowledge and attitudes in regards to environmental protection.
Keywords
ecology; responsible attitude towards nature; nature and society; natural competence
Hrčak ID:
99765
URI
Publication date:
26.3.2013.
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