North-West University

Bachelor of Education Honours in Environmental Education

Education, Training and Development - Higher Education and Training

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Purpose:

The purpose of the qualification is to provide teachers with the knowledge of environmental education and equip them with skills related to this field. Upon completion of this qualification, a learner will be able to:

  1. Develop research capacity in the practice of Environmental Education by gathering, analysing, organising, and critically evaluating relevant information to complete a research project addressing critical issues in Environmental Education.

  2. Understand Environmental Education as an interdisciplinary theme that complements social, economic, and environmental change in teaching, learning, and management in our country.

  3. Prepare a learner for advancement and further studies at a higher level.

Qualification Rationale:

The Bachelor of Education Honours in Environmental Education is designed to provide teachers with knowledge of environmental education and engage them in solving related problems. This qualification aims to:

  1. Equip teachers with information and skills to be proactive and informed in the environment and education, leading to sustainable development and social change.

  2. Provide an in-depth understanding of Environmental Education and sustainable living to contribute to a just and sustainable society.

  3. Enable teachers to critically analyze and question processes within Environmental Education, including environmental natural resource management, social and ecological issues, and environmental awareness and responsibilities.

  4. Prepare teachers to innovatively implement Environmental Education in teaching and school management following a whole-school approach.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge, as well as a coherent and critical understanding of the theoretical underpinning of education in general and of Environmental Education in particular, as well as demonstrate an understanding of how to apply the newly acquired knowledge and skills.
  2. Effectively and professionally analyse and critically evaluate knowledge gained in Environmental Education, so as to facilitate the attainment of high levels of cognitive engagement and intellectual independence that will contribute to a well-rounded knowledge framework with regard to matters in Environmental Education.
  3. Understand the role of research in education and perform authentic independent research under supervision that includes using critical skills to think systematically and professionally about Environmental Education matters and issues so as to evaluate actual and relevant problems that need to be solved in Environmental Education.
  4. Demonstrate a consolidated and deepened expertise in Environmental Education by using a range of specialised skills that aid in addressing ongoing learning needs that form part of an interrelated system of roles and relationships within education and Environmental Education.
  5. Demonstrate competency as an ethical member of the global and local community with regard to ethical issues and professional practice in environmental education and act with compassion, integrity, responsibility and accountability.
  6. Foster progressive thinking and apply it to work effectively with team members in a teaching and learning organisation, so that staff and learners of a school can transform education, by making responsible decisions to address environmental issues and in this way demonstrate a potential to act as academic leaders and experts in the field of Environmental Education.
  7. Manage and take accountability of own learning in a self-directed and self-critical manner, so as to prepare towards a disposition of life-long learning, particularly to embark on a course of study in Environmental Education.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

  • Understand and discuss principles and concepts in education
  • Assess theories in education
  • Demonstrate awareness of diverse contexts of education
  • Understand theoretical paradigms, concepts, ideas, issues, problems, and trends in education locally and internationally
  • Identify appropriate research approaches and methodologies in education and Environmental Education
  • Research, interpret, and report on trends in Environmental Education locally and internationally

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

  • Make sound theoretical judgments and evaluations in Environmental Education
  • Analyze and evaluate learning theories, styles, and teaching strategies
  • Apply knowledge gained effectively
  • Select and apply teaching and assessment strategies for effective learning
  • Critique and make recommendations for implementation

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

  • Identify a research problem in Environmental Education
  • State the problem in the context of existing literature
  • Choose appropriate design, method, and strategy for data collection and analysis
  • Prepare a research proposal
  • Conduct the research project successfully
  • Compose a creative academic report responding to the research problem

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

  • Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate knowledge from case studies and Environmental Education issues
  • Apply learning strategies to address learning needs in Environmental Education
  • Critique and evaluate real-life scenarios and case studies
  • Find integrated solutions using systemic theories for teaching and learning situations

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

  • Critically analyze ethical issues and teacher responsibilities
  • Act responsibly in actions and resource management
  • Debate ethical aspects in teaching Environmental Education
  • Disseminate importance of sustainable living through education
  • Clearly state roles and responsibilities for sustainable development

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

  • Work in groups to solve problems related to Environmental Education
  • Reflect on curriculum and curriculum development using systemic thinking
  • Assess environmental management systems in schools
  • Design and apply an environmental management system in a school setting

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

  • Take responsibility for learning needs and progress
  • Apply relevant learning strategies
  • Reflect on learning processes for self-directedness
  • Stay informed on Environmental Education trends as a lifelong learner

Integrated Assessment

  • Learning, teaching, and assessment are integrated
  • Various assessment methods used
  • Theoretical and practical components assessed together
  • Formative and summative assessment tools used
  • Summative assessments conducted through written examinations and projects
  • Assessment open, transparent, impartial, valid, objective, and reliable.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
128
SAQA Source
More Information

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North-West University
Description
North-West University (NWU) is a public university located in South Africa. It was established in 2004 through the merger of three institutions: the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, the University of Bophuthatswana, and the University of North-West. NWU has three campuses, namely Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, business, education, engineering, health sciences, law, natural sciences, and theology. NWU is known for its strong focus on research and innovation, with several research centers and institutes dedicated to advancing knowledge and addressing societal challenges. NWU is committed to providing quality education and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. It strives to produce graduates who are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the development of South Africa and the global community. The university also promotes community engagement and social responsibility through various outreach programs and initiatives. Overall, North-West University is a reputable institution that values academic excellence, research, and community engagement, making it a sought-after choice for students seeking higher education in South Africa.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.