Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2012

Keywords

Service-learning, Environmental citizenship, Ecological citizenship, Value-belief-norm theory

Abstract

The intent of this study was to explore how experiential education fosters ecological or environmental citizenship. In this context, we investigated the impact of international environmental service-learning in a college course. Specifically our research question was does environmental service-learning have an effect on ecological citizenship? Using a multimethod approach of both qualitative and quantitative instruments our study drew on 13 participant interviews, 19 student journals and 10 survey responses. Employing variables from the Value-Belief-Norm Theory our findings suggest that environmental service-learning experiences impact both awareness of environmental consequences and personal normative beliefs. We conclude that ecological citizenship was indirectly impacted through these social psychological predictors. Results of this study provide environmental educators with some important insights while implications of this study indicate the need for further research into experiential education and especially environmental service-learning as a means to encourage this type of citizenry.

Publication Title

International Journal of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

Volume

6

Issue

2

Required Publisher's Statement

Published by Digital Commons@Georgia Southern, 2012

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Environmental education--Costa Rica--Case studies; Environmental responsibility--Study and teaching--Costa Rica--Case studies; Social values; Citizenship

Geographic Coverage

Costa Rica

Genre/Form

articles

Type

Text

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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