Research Priorities in Environmental Education

Louise Chawla
Whitney Young College
Kentucky State University

Citation: Chawla, Louise (1992). "Research Priorities in Environmental Education ." Children's Environments 9 (1): 110-115. Retrieved [date] from http://www.colorado.edu/journals/cye/

Read this Article (PDF) | Comment on this Article

Abstract

Recommendations for directions in research in environmental education are placed in the context of past research results and present changes in the environmental movement. Past research suggests that environmentally responsible behavior is fostered by environmental sensitivity, in-depth knowledge of specific issues, personal investment in change, and perceived skill in taking action. Most environmental education needs to include schoolyard and community design to provide children opportunities for positive contact with the natural world outdoors, and school and community programs where children can learn planning and action skills. Equity in the consumption of natural resources also requires that environmental education promote fundamental lifestyle changes. These broadened approaches require ongoing evaluation that is qualitative as well as quantitative, and the wide dissemination of research results.

Keywords: