This interpretive study focused on the way in which children
make sense of the notion of environment. This study attempted a
comprehensive examination of children's perceptions of the notion
of environment in an Australian context. There is a concerted effort
to create environmental education programs targeted for children
yet we have little understanding of how children make sense of
the concept of environment. The study examined perspectives from
children aged 11 to 13 living in close proximity in New South Wales,
Australia. Children's perspectives were gathered through a drawing
activity as well as small group interviews. In order to provide a larger
conceptual picture of children's perceptions data was also gathered
from the surrounding community. Parents, teachers, principals
and local media's perspectives on the notion of environment
were investigated. The study showed that children perceive the
environment as nearly synonymous with nature. They also perceive
the environment and nature to be a place without people. Children
were very concerned about environmental issues, especially issues
in their local areas. Children generally did not attribute individuals
with responsibility for the environment. Children's ideas were
examined alongside those from the broader community revealing
relationships and links between community practices and children's
perceptions of the environment. This study addresses a gap in the
literature by providing a comprehensive exploration of children's
perceptions of the notion of the environment and examining links
to the portrayal of environment in the context of the surrounding
community. Findings provided a solid basis upon which to augment
the design of programs in environmental education.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/218583 |
| Date | January 2002 |
| Creators | Carroll, Colleen, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Education |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Colleen Carroll |
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