Browsing by Author "Ballantyne, Roy"

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    Contemporary South African environmental response : an historical and socio-political evaluation, with particular reference to Blacks
    (1990) Khan, Farieda; Ballantyne, Roy
    The impress of history has been particularly profound in the sphere of environmental perception, in that South Africans, both black and white, have had their notions of the environment shaped by the political forces of the past. Accordingly, this study is placed within the context of historical geography, as its open-ended techniques and multi-disciplinary approach is regarded as the most appropriate way of undertaking a study which crosses both historical and environmental boundaries. A contention fundamental to this study, is that South African environmental awareness and knowledge is at a fairly low level and that black environmental interest and concern in particular, ranges from apathy to outright hostility. It is further contended that the attainment of mass environmental literacy is essential for the success of the environmental movement in this country and that this in turn, is dependent on the adoption of a strategy incorporating an integrated historical, social and political perspective. Historico-political factors such as: the impact of the colonizing process; the dispossession of the indigenous peoples; the effect of racial attitudes; discriminatory land legislation and, in particular, the imposition of the apartheid system in 1948, are evaluated in terms of their effect on the development of black environmental attitudes. The culmination of these factors has led to a distortion of environmental perceptions and attitudes, as well as to the alienation of blacks from the environment. Conversely, the initially exploitative white response to the environment gradually incorporated a preservationist element, subsequently evolving into a conservation ideology which generally ignored black interests and perspectives. The policies and activities of the first black environmental organizations are detailed, in an attempt to place their achievements in historical perspective. Research in this area was conducted using primary sources. Interviews with selected environmental and mass democratic organizations in the Greater Cape Town Region were conducted. Using the techniques of the focused interview, their stance on environmental issues was established and their proposals for a future environmental strategy elicited. It was found that, while only one of the nine mass democratic organizations evaluated had an environmental policy, they were all committed to the establishment of a democratic society as well as to the concept of mass participation in environmental politics. Based on the insights gained from the historical aspects of the study, as well as an assessment of the proposals put forward during interviews, it is concluded that certain preconditions .are necessary for the successful implementation of future environmental strategies, if blacks are to become involved in environmental issues. These are: the destruction of apartheid; the establishment of a democratic state and the enhancement of individual quality of life.
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    The simulation method : a teaching technique for environmental education in secondary schools
    (1991) Joyce, Jack Peter; Ballantyne, Roy
    The need to establish teaching techniques for Environmental Education in the South African secondary school context was perceived. The simulation method was identified as one such technique which became the focus of this study, because it was believed by the researcher to be compatible with the aims and objectives of Environmental Education. A simulation activity aimed at Standard 9 pupils was devised (based on a particular environmental issue i.e. nuclear vs coal-powered electricity generation). To demonstrate that this activity could affect pupils' environmental knowledge, concepts, attitudes and behavioural intentions, a series of 3 questionnaires was designed to capture the results of the simulation activity. A pilot test was conducted using both the simulation activity and the questionnaires. The results of the pilot test were then analysed after which appropriate changes were made, particularly concerning ambiguity and design problems in the questionnaires. The revised simulation activity and questionnaires were then implemented in 8 Cape Education Department English-speaking secondary schools with a sample population of some 206 pupils. Results analysed from the 3 questionnaires indicated that statistically significant changes had occurred among the pupils. This confirmed that the simulation activity could be utilised as a means of teaching various aspects of environmental education. However, the research also showed that the simulation activity is a teaching technique which needs to be used in conjunction with other supportive methodologies.
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    Towards an environmental education programme for the training of primary school teachers
    (1988) Clacherty, A J; Ballantyne, Roy
    This study involved the design, implementation and evaluation of an Environmental Education programme intended for teacher training. The programme was implemented over a twelve-week period with a group of nineteen final year students at the Johannesburg College of Education. The programme has two main aims: 1) the development of environmental literacy in students; the equipping of students to develop environmental literacy in their pupils