Transformation of Approaches to Environmental Education in Pedagogical Theory

Abstract

The article presents a retrospective and theoretical-methodological analysis of the evolution of concepts regarding environmental education within pedagogical science. The research aims to study the transformation of this concept and identify key trends in its development within the modern educational context. The author examines the genesis of environmental education ideas, starting from the introduction of the term "ecology" by Ernst Haeckel, and traces the transition from a narrow biological understanding to a multidisciplinary paradigm encompassing social, cultural, and ethical aspects. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of approaches by domestic and foreign scholars toward defining the essence of environmental education as a process of forming an individual’s environmental culture. The paper elaborates on the methodological foundations for educating preschool children, including systemic, culturological, humanistic, activity-based, and synergetic approaches. The study demonstrates that modern environmental education is oriented not only towards the transmission of knowledge but also towards the formation of a value system and models of responsible behavior. It is concluded that the effectiveness of this process directly depends on the level of environmental competence of educators and the integration of interdisciplinary links into educational practice. The author emphasizes the significance of the preschool period as a fundamental stage in the development of environmental consciousness, which is essential for ensuring the sustainable development of society.