Ambiente humano: un enfoque para la formación de ciudadanos

Abstract

The teaching strategies for the development of "human environment" and civic competencies were introduced and implemented via a series of educational workshops. They represent the end result of a classroom research process. The strategies were planned within the framework of the Social Pedagogy outlines contained in the Master of Education Program at the University of La Sabana, Colombia.

This paper presents a focus on "human environment" as a big conceptual category that may be used to develop environmental behaviours and civic competencies at different levels (in each person, the family, the school institution, the local community and the world). These behaviours and competencies should help to improve levels of civic participation and social skills, enhancing the overall quality of life and, most especially, with regards to the idea of personal improvement when seen as an expression of human liberty.

In summary, this paper describes the planning, development and follow-up process that involved eleven educational workshops, all of which dealt with the field of "human environment." The workshops were designed from conceptual elements whose aim was to sensitize both teachers and students regarding the need for personal and family growth and the inherent value of living within society, its institutions and educational communities at local and national levels.