Pedagogical Strategies to Promote Environmental Education in Elementary and Middle School Students in Latin America: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

This study addresses environmental education at the elementary and secondary levels in Latin America, with the purpose of identifying the pedagogical strategies used to promote it. The aim is to determine how these strategies contribute to training students committed to the environment. To this end, a literature review was carried out with a qualitative approach, analyzing publications between 2018 and 2024. The results evidenced the implementation of approaches such as project-based learning, experiential education and the curricular integration of environmental content. These strategies seek to promote environmental awareness and the development of ecological, cognitive, and socio-emotional competencies. The positive impact of integrating theory and practice was highlighted, generating active and significant learning. Actions such as recycling, waste management, and natural resource management are positioned as effective tools to transform educational institutions into more sustainable communities. However, relevant challenges were also identified, including the lack of resources, the need for specialized teacher training, and the lack of transversality of environmental education in the curricula. In conclusion, the application of pedagogical strategies in this area has a high potential to transform education and advance towards the sustainable development goals through environmentally responsible citizenship.