‘Holistic approach needed in env edu’

VADODARA: The attempt to teach children about environment issues lacks a holistic approach. Studies initiated by researchers at department of geography at the MS University showed that the students lack a wider perspective of environmental problems with text book knowledge only encouraging water conservation, plantation and nature.
According to the study, students are not taught about ways of rectifying the damage done.The study that also included psychologists indicates that while some children become unworried about environment issues as they grow others learn about correcting procedures too late.
Nearly 300 students from standard four to standard eight participated in a recently concluded study by Bindoo Shah. The study included poster making competitions, slogan writing competitions, essay writing competitions, drawing competitions and quizzes.
“Almost all the students in their submissions spoke about saving the earth, plants and animals along with how industrial emissions are bad for the atmosphere. All of that is true and required, but students also need to know that the practical emphasis is on how the present situation can be reversed,” Shah said.
“The pollution and environment issues have reached critical junctures where a balance is required between saving natural reserves and rectifying the mistakes already done. Practices like adopting trees are equally helpful and more applicable with open spaces reducing constantly,” Shah added.
Ankita Bhatt from the department of environment sciences said that the world today deals with other environmental concerns also. “Electricity abuse, vehicular traffic and electronic waste are alarmingly high and will only increase. Saving plants, air and water are basics and should be a regular habit. But planting only a plant will not help if the student uses multiple electronic gadgets or has a vehicle for himself,” Bhatt said.