I was reading Vygotsky at the time, his theories about social interactions being at the centre of children's psychological development. Although not identified in the article, the co-operative learning method described was the practical implementation of his theories. Just as important to me however, were the links between theories such as these and environmental education.
Environmental education differs from environmental studies by highlighting values.
How we think about the environment, both social as well as natural, must in terms of sustainable development go hand in hand with knowledge about the environment. Such links have been explored by several academics such as Jesper Hoffmeyer, a Danish biologist, and links sociology with environmental science. The current emphasis on individualistic achievements rests uneasy with the development of qualities in children basic to the promotion of a sense of interdependence both with our social as well as natural world. Unless we actively foster a firm and practical understanding in our children of what concepts such as interdependence mean, sustainable development will always purely be a theoretical concept gathering dust on shelves. Integrating the needs of others as well as the natural environment into how children are taught, is one way to begin.