5 Steps for Effective Environmental Education
- Learner–Oriented: Programs support the development of personal meaning through the learning process, with emphasis on age–appropriateness and ongoing (even life–long) learning
- Promotes Wonder: Programs incorporate inquiry and discovery–based approaches that build appreciation for the natural and built environment
- In Context of Place/Community: Programs place learning in the context of the local, relate directly to the learner’s life and culture, and encourage civic engagement
- Action–Oriented: Programs incorporate approaches that are hands–on, address real problems, and build confidence and hope
- Focus on Relationships: Programs forge connections across and outward from specific areas of study – integrate across issues such as water quality, energy production and economic development; cross disciplinary boundaries of academic subjects such as science and language arts; connect classroom and out–of–school learning; relate the local to the regional and global.
Source: Jack Chin, “Bay Area Environmental Education: How Do We Know We’re Making a Difference?” Draft Report, Blueprint Research and Design, April 30, 2004.