EDU 515 – Introduction to Environmental Education
Please be patient... Pictures LoadingUsing various subject areas in all grade levels as a vehicle to create an environmental ethic, this introduction to environmental education (EE) includes philosophy, historical development, resource identification, curriculum development, field trips and hands-on activities. Students reflect on seminal environmental education writings, review research from the EE field, and examine national EE standards and guidelines. Exploring natural resource issues of the Western Kentucky region and beyond, students are introduced to the various cultural, economic and societal perceptions of those issues. Throughout the course, students are asked to apply their cumulative learnings to their individual teaching needs and audiences, as well as their relevance within an integrated curriculum of ecological principles.
Every semester at the conclusion of the class, students are asked to develop a personal definition of environmental education based upon their interactions and readings from the class. The following are definitions generated from a few individuals:
Environmental Education is...
Learning to do what is right for our environment and finding a systemic balance between our human needs and natural sustainability. It is learning to live and coexist with nature instead of exploiting it for the wrong reasons.
-Jay-
Teaching to make people aware of the Earth's resources, society's practices, and the results of those used today, in order to educate and shape attitudes that value the aesthetics and respect living things, resulting in moral ethics and actions taken for the betterment of Earth and preservation of environments for a balance.
-Sheila-
The process of teaching people to become part of the environment. Through the process people become more aware, more grateful, and more capable of making better decisions about our environment.
-Jackie-
A method of teaching which allows students to not only learn information but to do, discover, and comprehend the wonder of the environment while giving them the tools to make a difference.
-Stephen-
The interdisciplinary study of the relationships and interactions between the natural world and us. It is hands on, student centered, and relevant to everyday life. It works to make us aware of the issues we face, to gain knowledge, and eventually participate. It will allow us to make the earth a better place for future generations.
-Alan-
The teacher acting as a facilitator rather than an instructor, who is instrumental in setting the stage, providing opportunities to gain knowledge, and encouraging the development of attitudes about an issue. Through this the teacher will be able to foster skills that will allow for participation, and provide the experiences necessary to open the doors of investigation to reach a higher level of awareness.
-Teresa-