COURSE OF ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING IN THE STRUCTURE OF HIGHER ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN RUSSIA AND GERMANY

Abstract

Purpose. The paper presents a new methodological approach, which combines the theoretical and practical parts of the educational process in the discipline “Environmental monitoring”. Methodology and Approach. Based on long-term didactical experience, we analyze related publications reflecting the results of discussions from lab meetings at the Faculty of Geography of Lomonosov Moscow State University and Institute of Geography and Geosciences of Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. Policy related documents, programs and manuals as well as the method of participatory observation during lectures and seminars, with use of questionnaires and testing among the students, are also considered. Results. The effectiveness of the implementation of educational goals is evaluated and the features of teaching the environmental monitoring discipline and its scientific foundations are identified. A new approach to the educational process in the field of environmental monitoring (as a module) consists of theoretical, laboratory and field training parts. It provides a continuous process of education: theoretical knowledge in environmental monitoring, field training and sampling in zones of anthropogenic impact and intact areas, laboratory analysis of samples, and interpretation of field data. Theoretical and Practical implications. The integrated approach used in the teaching process has been developed jointly by Russian and German specialists and is aimed at improving the student learning program in order to achieve better results. It is based on taking into account current international standards and requirements, reflecting long-term experience of teaching the discipline at different univeristies.

Keywords

• university
• ecological education
• environmental monitoring
• training program
• students’ field training
• Russia