Abstract
M.Ed. (Subject Didactics)
The awareness of the necessity to protect our natural environment
is increasing, which is indeed promising. Despite this encouraging
fact, it is tragically evident that mere awareness is not
sufficient, as our world is going from bad to worse. It is therefore
imperative to try and save our world: environmental education
is one of the most efficient ways being used to save our
earth. 'Die Witskrif vir Omgewingsopvoeding in Suid-Afrika' was
published in 1989 by the South African government stating their
acceptance of Environmental Education as essential for South
Africa. Thus, Environmental Education needs to be implemented
successfully into the formal, educational system of government
schools in South Africa.
Before the succesful implementation of Environmental Education,
the teacher has to be thoroughly trained and prepared for this
challenging task. This research takes a look at the level of
knowledge and attitudes towards the natural, biophysical
environment. This study is directed at three acute environmental
problems namely: population explosion, the greenhouse effect and
the depletion of the ozone layer. The sample tested comprised of
fifty-eight students from three Afrikaans universities in
Transvaal, preparing themselves to teach Biology in the near
future.