In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on environmental education as a vital tool in confronting present and future environmental challenges, garnering attention from both the public and governments. This study undertakes a comparative analysis of environmental education programs in primary schools in China and Japan, with a focus on how environmental education is integrated into school curricula and subject textbooks. Through content analysis, we assessed whether the curriculum guidelines for various subjects in primary schools align with national environmental education standards in both countries. The results reveal that while both China and Japan adhere to national guidelines for environmental education in their textbook designs, Japan's approach stands out for its more comprehensive content and innovative teaching activities. Overall, the curriculum in both countries tends to prioritize a human-centered perspective of nature, often overlooking the fragility of the environment. However, educational units in Japan appear to actively promote creative engagement with nature and encourage exploration from diverse viewpoints. This comparative analysis provides valuable insights into ways to enhance China's environmental education curricula. By adopting more comprehensive content and interactive teaching methods, similar to those in Japan, China can strengthen its school-based environmental education and better equip students to comprehend and address environmental challenges.

Authors:
Mao Yuying, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan
Li Yan, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
MAO Yuying is currently a PhD student of Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. The main research area is primary school environmental education in China and Japan.

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