Engaging environmental education : : learning, culture and agency / / edited by Robert B. Stevenson, Justin Dillon.

• TeilnehmendeR: Stevenson, Robert B., 1948-; Dillon, Justin,
• Place / Publishing House: Rotterdam, Netherlands ;, Boston, Massachusetts : : Sense,, [2010]; ©2010
• Year of Publication: 2010
• Language: English
• Physical Description: 1 online resource.

As more attention is devoted to the increasing and complex socio-ecological issues facing the planet, new insights and new ways of thinking are being sought about the learning and agency of children and adults in relation to these environmental concerns. The contributors to this book address the critically important dual challenge of making environmental education engaging while engaging individuals, institutions and communities. Rather than treating students and citizens as passive recipients of other people’s knowledge, the book highlights the importance of engaging learners as active agents in thinking about and constructing a more sustainable and equitable quality of life. The case studies emphasize socio-cultural approaches to environmental learning within and outside formal education in a diverse range of international contexts, including Canada, Denmark, Korea, the Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. The authors not only illuminate the challenges and complexity of engaging youth and adults in meaningful learning, as well as informed action, on complex environmental issues, but also document and offer important insights into promising ways in which these challenges might be addressed. In addition to the many stimulating ideas and strategies for building the learning capacities of individuals and organizations for creating ecologically sustainable communities and societies, further important questions are raised that educators, policymakers and researchers might consider.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Material / Robert B. Stevenson and Justin Dillon -- Introduction to Issues in Learning, Culture and Agency in Environmental Education / Robert Stevenson and Justin Dillon -- Exploring Student Learning and Challenges in Formal Environmental Education / Mark Rickinson and Cecilia Lundholm -- Rainbow Warriors: The Unfolding of Agency in Early Adolescents’ Environmental Involvement / Natasha Blanchet-Cohen -- Social Learning in Action: A Reconstruction of an Urban Community Moving Towards Sustainability / Arjen E. J. Wals and Leonore Noorduyn -- Synergy of the Commons: Co-Facilitated Learning and Collective Action / Charlotte Clark -- ‘If the Public Knew Better, they Would Act Better’: The Pervasive Power of the Myth of the Ignorant Public / Elin Kelsey and Justin Dillon -- Learning and Participation in Developmental Projects Directed Towards Sustainable Development in Conference Centres / Jeppe Læssøe and Monica Carlsson -- The Role and Influence of News Media on Public Understanding of Environmental Issues / Martin Storksdieck and Cathlyn Stylinski -- Popular Media, Intersubjective Learning and Cultural Production / Marcia Mckenzie , Constance Russell , Leesa Fawcett and Nora Timmerman -- Understanding Others, Understanding Ourselves: Engaging in Constructive Dialogue About Process in Doctoral Study in (Environmental) Education / Jutta Nikel , Kelly Teamey , Se-Young Hwang , Benjamin Alberto Pozos-Hernandez , Alan Reid and Paul Hart -- New Possibilities for Mediation in Society: How is Environmental Education Research Responding? / Rob O’Donoghue and Heila Lotz-Sisitka -- Environmental Learning and Agency in Diverse Educational and Cultural Contexts / Robert B. Stevenson and Carolyn Stirling -- Biographies / Robert B. Stevenson and Justin Dillon -- Index / Robert B. Stevenson and Justin Dillon.