Curriculum on aquatic ecosystems in pre-university and university education in Albania

Abstract

The conservation and management of natural ecosystems in general and aquatic ones in particular at the local and global level require an increase in the level of education of pupils and students. To face the challenges and competitive global economy, students must have the competencies as well as the capacity to take advantage of the opportunities offered for personal development, the advancement of society and the protection of the environment. The purpose of this study is to present an analysis of legal acts, bylaws, strategic documents and curricular framework related to aquatic ecosystems, their types, level of pollution, eutrophication, biodiversity, included in the curricula and textbooks of pre-university education and high in Albania. The study data were provided by narrative analysis of basic education policy documents and interviews conducted with policy makers and specialists of pre-university and higher education. Data analysis shows that pre-university education textbooks mostly convey to students learning about the aquatic environment at a theoretical level of knowledge and very little at a practical level. There is also no coherence between the pre-university education curriculum and higher education on water and aquatic environments. At the end of the study are given some recommendations regarding the improvement of curricula for aquatic environments, the continuation of the curriculum of pre-university education and higher education on aquatic ecosystems as well as the coordination of legal acts and by laws of the responsible institutions.