What’s Your Story? An Ethnographic Study of Teacher Educators Implementing Environmental Education in India

• In Event: Cases of Places: Place-Based Education and International Environmental Ed Approaches

Abstract

Rapid economic progression in India has led to unprecedented environmental problems. India has struggled to keep pace, resulting in a range of new policy initiatives. This session presents recently completed PhD research examining how teacher educators in a particular institution implement Environmental Education. This ethnographic study tells the story of these teacher educators - the journeys, experiences and cultural backgrounds that influence their engagement with this surfeit of polices. It exposes an imbalance caused by focusing on exteriors (creating the right policies) over regard for interiors (culture and wellbeing). It finds links between India’s unique heritage and traditions and the deep relationship between environment, wellbeing and spirituality. Recognizing these connections can contribute significant meaning to global environmental cultures.

Author

• Sylvia Christine Almeida, Monash University