Teaching innovation: environmental management as a central focus in primary and secondary

Abstract

The objective of this project is to provide theoretical and practical tools for teachers with curricular or extracurricular activities of environmental management in primary, secondary or specialized education, so they can develop and evaluate proposals in this field. It seeks to create the conditions for public schools in the south, incorporating a component that stimulates the development of skills and abilities for public participation in environmental management at local areas. The project began with the Regional Office of Education at Perez Zeledón in 2012, the project was extended to the Regional Office of Education at Grande de Térraba (which includes the districts of Buenos Aires de Puntarenas and Osa).

The fundamental strategy of the project has focused on the development of a modular course Educational innovation of integrated health and the environment management (IE-GISA), under which participating teachers designed and implemented in their schools educational and extra curricular activities in this field, supported by specialists in the area.The participating teachers are called by the competent authorities of the Ministry of Education, so that they are authorized to spend time working at the course. They also receive accreditation for the Civil Service. This work is accompanied by a parallel axis of community outreach focused on incorporating parents in institutional projects, these activities and institutional networks provide a local projection.

We are developing three new modules: systematic, orchards and socio-ecological monitoring and restoration (MRSE).