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Peer-reviewed article

Changing minds? Reassessing outcomes in free‐choice environmental education.

July 1, 2005 | Public Programs, Exhibitions, Informal/Formal Connections

This paper discusses three case studies – an exhibition on biodiversity, a hotel water conservation program, and a partnership between a nature center and urban public schools – to establish parameters for designing learning experiences that accommodate the varied worldviews and attitudes of learners. Positive outcomes occurred in all three cases, but could best be interpreted if sub-samples of participants were distinguished based on their readiness to embrace conservation messages. The studies demonstrated the limitations of narrowly defined learning outcomes as benchmarks for success or failure. The role that visitor/participant agendas, needs, abilities and interests play in shaping free-choice learning experiences will be discussed.

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    Institute for Learning Innovation
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    Institute for Learning Innovation
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    Ohio State University
  • Citation

    DOI : 10.1080/13504620500081228
    ISSN : 1350-4622
    Publication Name: Environmental Education Research
    Volume: 11
    Number: 3
    Page Number: 353
    Resource Type: Research Products
    Discipline: Ecology, forestry, and agriculture | General STEM | Life science
    Audience: General Public | Educators/Teachers | Museum/ISE Professionals
    Environment Type: Public Programs | Community Outreach Programs | Park, Outdoor, and Garden Programs | Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits | Informal/Formal Connections | K-12 Programs

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