Environmental Education Research (original) (raw)

Using a Delphi study to clarify the landscape and core outcomes in environmental education

Environmental Education Research, 2020

When leaders in a field agree upon core outcomes for the field, connection, reinforcement, and a shared vision of change are synergistically strengthened. Even when the field is dynamic, theoretically wide-ranging, and dispersed, consensus around core outcomes can help develop strategic research agendas and priorities. Environmental education (EE) is an inherently interdisciplinary field drawing on diverse theoretical foundations and epistemological orientations, resulting in a broad conceptual and empirical landscape. To better understand and situate this within EE, we pursued a modified Delphi study, with participation from 44 professionals and leaders active in North America. Over three Delphi rounds, the panel came to agreement on five core outcomes that focus the EE field: (1) environmentally related action and behavior change, (2) connecting people to nature, (3) improving environmental outcomes, (4) improving social/cultural outcomes, and (5) learning environmentally relevant skills and competencies. Reflecting those commonalities, we propose the following encapsulating statement to describe the field's core outcomes: Environmental education works to move people to action for the tangible benefit of the environment and humanity. To realize these benefits, people must connect experientially with the environment, learn needed skills, and understand the complicated social and cultural connections between humanity and the natural environment.

Rethinking Environmental Education: Challenges, Reflections, and Future Perspectives (Atena Editora)

Rethinking Environmental Education: Challenges, Reflections, and Future Perspectives (Atena Editora), 2024

This study examines the challenges faced in teaching Environmental Education, with an emphasis on the lack of teacher training, the shortage of teaching resources, and resistance to environmental issues. The investigation covers the understanding of fundamental concepts and the historical context, providing a comprehensive view that generates solutions to improve teaching. Updating the National Common Core Curriculum is highlighted as essential, requiring the incorporation of pedagogical practices that directly impact students' local lives. For these practices to be effective, it is crucial to enhance the curriculum, allowing students to disseminate the knowledge they have acquired and contribute positively to sustainable development. The study suggests that an integrated and practical approach to teacher training, combined with the provision of appropriate teaching resources, can reduce resistance to environmental issues and promote more effective environmental education. The research reinforces the importance of well-structured environmental education in forming aware citizens committed to sustainability. Thus, the review and implementation of an updated curriculum are fundamental steps towards achieving more effective and comprehensive environmental education.

A framework for environmental education strategies

Applied Environmental Education & Communication, 2007

Environmental education (EE) includes a broad range of teaching methods, topics, audiences, and educators. EE professionals have worked over the last 30 years to provide distinct definitions, guides, objectives, and standards that will help educators know how to differentiate environmental education from other educational efforts and how to deliver it effectively. This article incorporates several recent frameworks of educational strategies into one that has usefulness to formal and nonformal educators as well as communicators. Our purpose is not to redefine EE, but to provide a framework that can help practitioners consider a suite of possible purposes and interventions that can belong under the umbrella of EE. We define four categories of EE according to their purpose: Convey Information, Build Understanding, Improve Skills, and Enable Sustainable Actions.

An exploration of future trends in environmental education research

Environmental Education Research, 2013

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Elements of effective environmental education programs

Retrieved February, 2000

We can all continue to say we are only churchmen, or only educators, or only students, or only government people -that our role is limited, and that we cannot be expected to solve the problems of the world. But . . . some of us had better choose to define ourselves as world problem solvers if world problems are going to be solved" .