Analysis of biodiversity in the Malaysian secondary school curriculum Mohammad Zohir Ahmad1, 2, *, Munirah Ghazali1, 2, Nur Syazwana Hamzah1; and Wan Sharipahmira Mohd Zain1 1RCE Penang, Universiti Sains Malaysia 2School of Educational Studies, Universiti Sains Malaysia E-mail: zohirusm@gmail.com* Abstract-Biodiversity is important to people and the health of ecosystems. It became one of the ten key sustainable development issues in Education for Sustainable Development by UNESCO and in goal 15 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by UNDP. Education is an important element and school becomes among the important place and plays a significant role to create awareness, knowledge and change attitudes towards the environment (biodiversity). This paper analyse instances of biodiversity in the Malaysian curriculum using a content analysis technique of documents focusing on the following subjects: Geography, Sciences, Languages (English and Malay) and Mathematics. The purpose of this paper is to identify “where & when” the biodiversity concept and issues are discussed in the existing secondary school curriculum. This brief analysis of the curriculum shows that elements of biodiversity are integrated either directly or indirectly in the subjects taught in secondary school curriculum in Malaysia. The curriculum emphasises on inquiry, discovery learning through experience and problem solving processes that utilised scientific and thinking skills. The curriculum also emphasises on active learning approaches. Keywords: biodiversity, secondary school curriculum, subjects, integrated, Malaysia I. INTRODUCTION Biodiversity is important to people and the health of ecosystems. It became one of the ten key of sustainable development issues in Education for Sustainable Development by UNESCO and in goal 15 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by UNDP. In other words, conserving biodiversity is key to achieving sustainable development (Durham Biodiversity Partnership, 2016). Education is essential for sustainable development. Citizens of the world need to learn their way to sustainability (UNESCO, 2012). School becomes among the important place and plays a significant role in the education of tomorrow’s citizens. Introducing biodiversity in the curriculum will prepare students to take action throughout their lives to protect and restore biodiversity in their own communities and around the world (National Wildlife Federation, n.d.). Teaching and learning in schools depends on the curriculum provided, usually a national curriculum. This paper analyse instances of biodiversity concept in the Malaysian curriculum using a content analysis technique of documents Proceedings of the International Conference on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for the 177 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Policy and Practice 27-29 June 2016, Cha-am, Phetchaburi, Thailand
Proceedings of International Conference on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services for the Sustainable Development Goals : Policy and Practice 27-29 June 2016 at the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park, Cha-am, Phetchaburi, Thailand
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