Teaching and Learning for the Environment: Perspectives on Understandings, Values, and Actions

Session Submission Type: Invited Session

Abstract

Research indicates that simply providing information about environmental issues will not result in meaningful learning and practical change. We need to help learners 1) construct deeper understandings of ecological systems, 2) investigate and develop values and attitudes that will shape the decisions they make, and 3) make decisions about their personal actions. This session will begin with an introduction to the topic and issues, followed by a presentation of current public perceptions of climate change in the US. Next, the role of ecological understandings in personal and public decision making will be presented, followed by a presentation on environmental values in education. We will close with an example of an environmental learning project in a Native American community which illustrates a framework for culturally relevant design partnerships.

Sub Unit

• Division C - Learning and Instruction

Chair

• Doug Lombardi, Temple University

Papers

• Introduction - Bruce Johnson, The University of Arizona

• Public Perceptions of Climate Change - Martin Storksdieck, National Academy of Sciences

• Ecological Understandings as a Basis for Personal and Public Decision Making - Beth A. Covitt, University of Montana; Charles W. Anderson, Michigan State University; Kristin L. Gunckel, The University of Arizona

• Values in Environmental Learning - Bruce Johnson, The University of Arizona

• POSOH: Integrating Perspectives to Drive the Development of Place-Based and Culturally Relevant Sustainability Curriculum - Manali J. Sheth, University of Wisconsin - Madison; Jerilyn R. Grignon, College of Menominee Nation; Hedi Baxter Lauffer, University of Wisconsin - Madison

Discussant

• Nancy B. Songer, University of Michigan