Analysing Educational Support Systems for Life Sciences Teachers in Integrating Environmental Education
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Increasing environmental literacy and promoting sustainable development rely on the integration of Environmental Education (EE) into the Life Sciences curriculum. This study examines the support mechanisms available to Life Sciences teachers in the Vhembe District of South Africa, focusing on policy documents, instructional materials, and subject advisors. Data was collected through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with Life Sciences teachers and a subject advisor, employing a qualitative, phenomenological case study design. Based on Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, the results show that materials like textbooks and the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) only give basic advice and don't show how to effectively include EE in the curriculum. Subject advisors, while potentially valuable, face systemic constraints, emphasizing general curriculum objectives over specialized EE support. The study underscores the need for enhanced professional development, targeted resources, and better alignment between policy and classroom practices to support effective EE integration.
Source: Studies in Learning and Teaching
Author: Khathutshelo Ronald Munasi
Institution: University of South Africa
Language: English
Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $175
OpenAlex ID: W4413021890