Geografiperspektiv

Sammanfattning: Abstract Our world is facing new challenges depending on the climate changes. The UN panel of climate changes has determined that the human race is responsible for the changes, but also that we have the opportunity to reduce the effects. This demands that the information reaches out to the public which means that the school system carries major responsibility to this type of questions. This also means that the teachers have to be observant, and give the questions the attention which is needed. The purpose of this essay is to see if this awareness exists today among active teachers and teacher students and if the perspective differs among them, but also their opinions is in agreement with the course plan in the subject. To find the answers I have formulated three research questions: What opinion have the teacher students within geography at the University of Karlstad on geography as a subject, and where do they put the emphasis regarding questions of environment? What opinion have the active teachers on geography as a subject, and where do they put the emphasis regarding questions of environment? Are there any differences regarding geography as a subject among active teachers and teacher students? With the purpose of answering the research questions I have used a qualitative method by using interviews which have been analyzed. The result shows that both of the selected groups put large emphasis on environmental issues in the teaching. Both of the selected groups also show that their opinions are in agreement with the course plan. The conclusion is that the environmental issues are regarded as an important part in geography as a subject. There are also some differences of opinion regarding other parts of the subject, but also some similarities.