Abstract

WEPENER, Tiani. Geography learners' awareness and lived experiences of their local environment: A case of Namibia. JoGEA [online]. 2023, vol.6, pp.104-131. ISSN 2788-9114.  http://dx.doi.org/10.46622/jogea.v6i1.4653.

This paper examines the awareness and lived experiences of 28 secondary-level school learners in Namibia, to explore their observations and experiences in their local environments. It investigates the factors influencing their ability and/ or willingness to make observations and to reflect on experiences. The research employed open-ended, semi-structured interviews and drawings to collect data from Grade 11 learners in five research sites across Namibia. The data were analysed using interpretativephenomenological analysis and the themes related to exposure to environments are explored. The study draws on theories of place and informal learning, highlighting the role of everyday experiences in shaping individuals understandings of their surroundings. All the participants showed that they are aware of what makes the environment in which they live different to others, by describing the geographical concepts present in their local environment. However, the findings show that the participants' ability or willingness to make observations can be hindered or reduced by factors such as a lack of interest and familiarity with their local environment and a preoccupied mind. The study highlights the value of understanding learners' perspectives from their own lifeworlds and sheds light on the contribution of the local environment to geographical awareness.

Keywords : everyday Geography; children's geographies; lived experiences; geographical awareness; local environment.

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