Environmental-knowledge textbooks in Hungary and Austria

Abstract

Within an institutional framework, the transfer of authentic professional knowledge is the responsibility of teachers. Textbooks play an important role in this process, in all types of schools. This is especially important for elementary school textbooks. Textbooks with accurate knowledge and authentic illustrations are needed for the rising generation to have the right knowledge. In Hungary, the framework curriculum prescribed by the National Core Curriculum defines the educational and development goals of the thematic units, the practical applications and the possibilities of knowledge transfer. In Austria, the Federal Ministry (Bundesministerium) stipulates that curricula must include teaching objectives, a summary of the content of the curriculum and a list of basic literature. The aim of the author's research is to compare Hungarian and German textbooks focusing on the subject of environmental education, including the main wildlife species.