ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE TEXTBOOKS AND CURRICULUM: THE EXAMPLE OF TURKEY AND IRAN

43899

The purpose of this study is to determine how economically and socially developed countries address the environment issue that has become more visible in the world by the middle of the twentieth century. This environmental issue was included in the programs of international organizations, policies of states, and planning of governments. In fact, everyone knew that there was a problem with the environment, but it is also true that one cannot find solutions on one’s own. In this respect, the following questions posed in the study; what are the environmental problems? What should be done to protect the environment? How should the environment education be taught? How can environmental sensitivity be enhanced? How different countries do approach to the environment? It is tried to show how the environmental sensitivity is brought to students’ attention via the curriculum of the social studies lesson and textbooks in Turkey, and Iran representing a different culture. In the study, the document analysis was conducted and the curricula and textbooks in both countries were examined to draw conclusions. The environment education, environmental sensitivity and awareness in social studies textbooks that are outlined in the Social Studies Curriculum in Turkey examined. The Iran case is dealt with in order to find out how two countries approach to the issue. Descriptive analysis also used to assess the obtained data.

107

Environment Education , Environmental Sensitivity , Turkey , Iran , Skill , Value and Learning Outcome

International Journal of Geography and Geography Education

117

International Journal of Geography and Geography Education