Thoughts of Children and Adults about the Environment and Environmental Education

Abstract

Abstract In the past in Finland, the National Board of Education and teachers used to have highly planned curricula. Nowadays, curricula are being formulated jointly by children and adults. However, we in schools do not know what children and parents think about environmental issues. Therefore, we studied the thoughts of students, student teachers, teachers and parents about the environment and Environmental Education. The aim of this research is to find ideas for Environmental Education by interpreting the writings and conversations of children and adults. The case study started in the University of Oulu in 1991 and continues today. The report includes results from 1991 to 2000. During the analysis, four areas emerged as significant: personal sensitivity, awareness, knowledge, and action. The study will help towards the establishment of a sound basis for Environmental Education in schools.