The role of Citizen Science in environmental education: A critical exploration of the citizen scientist experience

Dunkley, R. A. (2017) The role of Citizen Science in environmental education: A critical exploration of the citizen scientist experience. In: Ceccaroni, L. and Piera, J. (eds.) Analyzing the Role of Citizen Science in Modern Research. IGI Global, pp. 213-230. ISBN 9781522509622 (doi: 10.4018/978-1-5225-0962-2.ch010)

Abstract

Citizen Science is increasing in popularity and used by many academics, community groups and Non-Governmental Organizations in scientific data collection. Despite this, little is known about the motivations and experiences of those who contribute to citizen science projects, nor about the impacts of involvement in citizen science upon the individual. Moreover, few have considered the pedagogic process that individuals undergo as they participate in these activities. Citizen science practitioners and program developers stand to benefit from increased understanding of these experiences in terms of their capacity to enhance environmental education. Such increased understanding of the implications of citizen science may also promote the development of sustainability education. This chapter synthesizes insights from existing literature, policy documents and practical projects to explore the pedagogic potential of the convergence of citizen science and environmental education. The chapter concludes that progressive evaluation approaches are needed to complement what is an emergent field.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Dunkley, Dr Ria
• Authors: Dunkley, R. A.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Social Justice Place and Lifelong Education; College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Pedagogy, Praxis & Faith
• Publisher: IGI Global
• ISBN: 9781522509622