Empowering Environmental Sustainability Values in Preschool Children In Malaysia Through Comprehensive Nature-Based Learning Modules
Institutions:
1. Center for Environmental Education (CEED), University of Minnesota Duluth, USA
2. Minnesota Association For Environmental Education, USA
Shaping the Future of Sustainability in Malaysian Preschools
Syaza Soraya Binti Saulim, a Kelantan born lass is a full-time Ph.D. student in the Educational Psychology Program at the School of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia in Skudai, Johor. Her decision to choose raising awareness on environmental issues amongst youth came about when she saw the stunningly beautiful ‘Mowgli Malaysia’ photo and how indifferent they were about it.
Eventhough she is busy wearing multiple hats of a devoted mother, a curious researcher, and a passionate educator, that did not stop her from picking up early childhood environmental education as her field of study, focusing on nature-based learning. She believes that instilling these values from an early age is vital to cultivating a generation that actively cares for the environment because it will be implanted in their cognitive development.
Syaza plans to undergo her attachment at the Center for Environmental Education, University of Minnesota Duluth, United States of America on the topic of “Empowering Environmental Sustainability Values in Preschool Children in Malaysia Through Comprehensive Nature-Based Learning Modules.”
Her unique project has garnered international attention because it involves Early Childhood Education, Nature Education, and Psychological Effects, creating a holistic approach expected to be the first of its kind in Malaysia.
Bridging the gap between nature and youth.
Through her attachment, Syaza aims to bridge the gap in environmental education by developing relevant, effective, and easily accessible modules for teachers. Specifically, she focuses on incorporating nature-based learning to instill environmental sustainability values in preschool children in Malaysia.
She hopes that through promoting nature-based learning in Malaysia and introducing comprehensive modules, children may acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for making informed decisions contributing to a sustainable future for the country.
She will be offered a unique opportunity to engage with experts directly in the field, enhancing her expertise and bridging the gap between her novel approach and Malaysian education. Her goal is to create accessible, nature-centric curriculum modules that empower teachers to instill values of environmental sustainability in preschool children.
Big Dreams for Small Children
Since children represent 100% of the future, Syaza believes that we should instil a sense of responsibility for the environment in these future leaders otherwise it will have detrimental consequences.
Her three-month attachment aims to absorb expert insights, learn effective strategies, and initiate significant progress. While her work may extend beyond the initial period, she’s confident these months will lay a strong foundation for her endeavour.
Upon her return, she plans to establish the “National Center for Children’s Research and Development for the Sustainable World” (SDGCRC) in Malaysia. This centre would serve as a hub for advancing research and development efforts that foster sustainable practices and values among young children. Her influence as a member of Dewan Muda Johor (DMJ) and her position in the Jawatankuasa Pendidikan (Education Committee) will enable her to advocate for these matters among policymakers, furthering the impact of her study.
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