Learning at eco-attractions: Exploring the bifurcation of nature and culture through experiential environmental education

Dunkley, R. A. (2016) Learning at eco-attractions: Exploring the bifurcation of nature and culture through experiential environmental education. Journal of Environmental Education, 47(3), pp. 213-221. (doi: 10.1080/00958964.2016.1164113)

Abstract

This article explores informal environmental education (EE) experiences at eco-attractions. A consortium of three UK-based environmental charities designed an eco-attraction-based EE program aiming to inspire responses to environmental change. Over six months, educators at six eco-attractions delivered this two-day program to 430 young people. This article conveys qualitative insights into learning experiences at three participating eco-attractions. The study illustrates that experiential learning at eco-attractions provided unique opportunities to explore nature-culture connections. The program also appeared to enable novel confrontations of current ecological crises, including climate change. Furthermore, the experience influenced some young people's perceptions of how such crises might affect their futures.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• 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
• Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Education
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 0095-8964
• ISSN (Online): 1940-1892
• Published Online: 13 April 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 The Author
• First Published: First published in Journal of Environmental Education 47(3):213-221
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License