Towards Consolidating Environmental Education in Public Primary Schools of Mali: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

The current study addressed the depth of environmental education implemented in the syllabus of Malian primary education from the perspectives of pupils and teachers. This study aimed to (1) assess the teaching materials and methods provided in EE; (2) evaluate the knowledge of environmental education and behaviour towards environmental protection of primary school pupils and their teachers, and (3) examine the links established by pupils and their teachers between health and the environment. The study was conducted in two primary schools selected by the Pedagogical Animation Centre of Sogoniko, Bamako. The participants comprised four teachers and fifty-two pupils. A descriptive research design was employed with a qualitative and quantitative approach. The syllabi of grade 4 and grade six were analysed to explore environmental education topics. Interviews were conducted with teachers and pupils to investigate their knowledge of environmental education. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered to pupils to examine their knowledge of environmental education. Moreover, participant observation was undertaken of the school environment and classroom, aiming to evaluate teachers' and pupils' behaviour towards the environment and the links established between health and the environment. The findings indicated that the course content relating to the environment remained unclear. The schools suffer from the teaching materials and techniques on environmental issues. Moreover, the pupils and teachers are not properly engaged with the school environment, and their activities regarding healthcare are not safe.