Implications of Environmental Education in Teacher Education

Abstract

Concern for preserving our environment for a sustainable development has been felt by all quarters. Education, particularly school education, could play a greater role by making an impact on the thinking of young minds to protect the universe from deterioration. This paper suggests ways to attack teacher education for bringing out effective changes in school education. Adopting to an inter disciplinary nature, the author suggests, the environment education should go beyond school boundaries for reaching to all sections of the society. Key words: Teacher Education, Environmental Education In ancient India students used to spend a number of years in Guru’s Ashram. Guru was their father figure, a guardian, an advisor, a counsellor and a confidant. His wife was their mother figure. She cared for them like her own children. She cooked food for them and brought them up with maternal affection. Thus students acquired education in a cordial and secure atmosphere. They did not have to worry about paying fees and donations to their Ashram as education was free. Nor did they face any discrimination on account of the wealth or status of their parents. In fact, on no account they were harried or hectored. Even during their illness their Guru secured medicines for them and the Guruyani (guru’s wife) nursed them with tender feelings and great care. In return they performed their filial duties and paid obedience to the Guru and the Guruyani and helped them in household chores. In such an atmosphere it was but natural that proper interests, attitudes and values were formed and students acquired education in all domains of learning — cognitive, affective and psychomotor. Besides that they lived in a natural environment and cared for conserving it. They protected trees and revered them as Vriksha Devta,