THE METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EDUCATIONAL PACKAGE “WATER IN THE MEDITERRANEAN”

Abstract

The methodological framework for the development of the educational package “Water in the Mediterranean” is presented. This material has been prepared to facilitate the educators’ work in the closely related fields of Environmental Education (EE) or Education for Environment & Sustainability (EfES) or Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and it was designed mainly for secondary school students. The AASS Project 2061 criteria for the evaluation of the middle grades science textbooks were taken into account for the development of the scientific part of the material. The necessary interdisciplinary approach was based on two foundations: (a) the contribution from an interdisciplinary network of professionals involved in its preparation, originating from various scientific fields, working in the sector of formal and non-formal education, and (b) the use of water as a cross-cutting thematic module, which permeates all aspects of life. The package is designed to be a flexible resource guide for the work of educators, having as main objectives for the students to gain basic knowledge, enhance understanding on major water issues and also to introduce them in a constructive way to the complexity and interdependence of the various economic, social and environmental factors linked with water on one hand and sustainable development on the other. Furthermore, the material aims at the development of problem-solving and decision making skills, in order to stimulate the responsible behaviour of students, and their ability to undertake action in favour of the environment and natural resources as individuals and collectively, as members of a team. A brief evaluation based on the NAAEE Guidelines for Excellence for EE materials is included as well. [Chem. Educ. Res. Pract.: 2004, 5, 185-206]