ECO-EDUCATION:INTEGRATING SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES INTO PRIMARY SCHOOL CIRRICULM
Keywords:
Eco-education; Sustainability practices; Primary school curriculum; Environmental education; Experiential learning; Education for sustainable development (ESD); Critical thinking.Abstract
This paper examines the integration of sustainability practices into primary school curricula and argues that eco-education is essential in preparing children for the environmental challenges of the 21st century.
The growing impact of climate change and ecological degradation has highlighted the need to introduce environmental responsibility at an early stage of learning. Primary education offers a unique opportunity to shape attitudes and behaviors that can last a lifetime. This paper reviews the literature on eco-education, with particular attention to teaching strategies such as experiential learning, project-based activities, and school-community partnerships. It also considers the difficulties schools face, including limited resources, teacher training gaps, and curriculum constraints. By analyzing both the potential and the barriers, the study shows that integrating sustainability into primary education not only enhances environmental awareness but also supports critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility. The findings suggest that eco-education can play a transformative role in equipping young learners with the knowledge and values needed for building a sustainable future.
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