INTEGRATING ACTIVE LEARNING: ANALYSING TOOLS AND MATERIALS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES TEXTBOOKS FOR ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Abstract

This research analyses the tools and materials essential for facilitating operationalpractical learning through elementary environmental studies textbooks. The school curriculum for environmental studies is based on constructivist learning and teaching theory, the main idea of which is that it is necessary and important for students to be active in the classroom. Teachers are encouraged to use practical teaching methods. Our study highlights the importance of selecting textbooks and supplementary materials that encourage active student participation and provide opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. The aim of the study is to identify the tools and materials that students often need to complete tasks that emphasise practical learning methods when working with textbooks. Using a descriptive, non-experimental pedagogical research approach, textbooks from four publishers approved by the Slovenian Council of Experts since 2011 were examined. The results show that the most frequently required resources for operational-practical tasks in textbooks include pens, workbooks, and various everyday objects such as packaging waste and kitchen utensils. Digital devices such as computers, tablets and phones are rarely mentioned, indicating a possible gap in the integration of modern technologies into environmental studies.

Keywords

• Textbooks
• Learning
• Tasks
• Environmental Studies
• Activity