Philosophical Foundations of an Environmental Education Model for Upper Secondary School Students
Keywords:
Environmental education, philosophical foundations, educational model, upper secondary school, sustainabilityAbstract
This study aims to explicate the philosophical foundations of environmental education and to propose a coherent educational model for upper secondary school students. This fundamental qualitative study was conducted within an interpretive paradigm. Data were collected through documentary and library-based sources and analyzed using theoretical inference and meta-synthesis methods. Thematic analysis was applied through open, axial, and selective coding to identify philosophical foundations, objectives, principles, methods, content, and outcomes of environmental education. The findings indicate that the proposed model is grounded in four philosophical dimensions—ontology, anthropology, epistemology, and axiology—leading to objectives such as the development of environmental ethics, ecological rationality, spirituality, and a bio-centric worldview. Core principles including ecological justice, sustainability, and ethical responsibility were identified, along with instructional approaches based on Islamic foundations, experiential learning, critical thinking, and integrative education. The outcomes encompass cognitive, attitudinal, behavioral, and socio-cultural transformations. The study concludes that effective environmental education at the upper secondary level requires an integrated philosophical, ethical, and practical framework capable of fostering environmentally responsible and sustainability-oriented future citizens.
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