Environment as life : the journey of an environmental educator
Date
2004-12
Authors
Schreuder, Danie
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Rhodes University : Environmental Education Department
Abstract
In this paper I discuss the constructs environment and human existence in terms of the lessons I have
learnt from biological life processes. I draw on personal experiences in my journey as an educator and the
influences that local, international and global changes in environmental education have had on my practice
and on my understanding of key concepts. I link the development of some of my critical understandings to
my personal, lived experiences as a biology teacher in times of political turmoil and change in South Africa.
I argue that the development of my key understanding of both environment and education is rooted in my
experiences and encounters in the natural world and that, for me, environmental education processes are
about appreciating, celebrating and preserving life and the place where life is possible, thereby helping people
to become inhabitants and not merely residents. Environmental education is a critical pedagogy that should
focus on and critically expose practices, ideologies and hegemonies that oppress and undermine people and
their thinking and, in effect, threaten not only the quality of human life, but also the capacity of the earth to
sustain life.
Description
The original publication is available at http://www.eeasa.org.za
Keywords
Environmental education
Citation
Schreuder, D. 2004. Environment as Life:The journey of an environmental educator. Southern African Journal of Environmental Education, 21:12-22.