The perspectives of environmental sciences alumni on what they learnt - from theory to practice

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2021

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Mashego, Lehlogonolo

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Abstract

In spite of the global awareness of environmental challenges and direct knowledge of environmental sensitivities, a global shift towards pro-environmental practices is rather slow. This is important considering the urgency of curbing this phenomenon and all the structural complexities. Through the analysis of traditional tools, contemporary tools and opportunities in the environmental programmes, the need for sound solutions is more critical. While environmental education contributes towards environmental knowledge and potential environmental consciousness, understanding of other drivers is effective in assessing the level of pro-environmental behaviour. Environmental attitudes, behaviour and consciousness all relate to internal drivers which could potentially be triggered from environmental knowledge and awareness; or through the conceptualisation of the current global impacts. The drive towards sustainable development has further stressed the need to integrate the environment, economics and social dynamics, and the institutions at question have thoroughly managed that –however, implementation gets lost along with the various limitations that exist in the system. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of environmental sciences alumni who graduated from two environmental sciences masters’ programmes at two universities in South Africa on how they felt these programmes prepared them for their current work and where the programmes may need to be improved to better prepare graduates for employment in the environmental profession. The sampled alumni consisted of 40 participants with 20 from each institution. Independent interviews were conducted with all participants using a questionnaire with both open-ended and close-ended questions. The findings of this study motivate that environmental programmes fulfil the mandate of training, triggering environmental knowledge, awareness, pro-environmental behaviours and most importantly, consciousness. The identified limitations are based on structural elements which typically involve industry, community engagement and socio-political stability. Bridging the gap between theory and practice is evidently still growing, with further interventions in place and planned for better readiness for students. It is hoped that this study will provide a practical model in which further assessments may be developed to further explore the topic and drive sustainable development amongst professionals

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A research report submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, 2021

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