LE3 .A278 2020

2020

Warner, Alan

Acadia University

Master of Community Development

Masters

Community Development

Community Development

Experiential environmental education can be valuable in helping youth to develop environmental appreciation, action competence and environmental stewardship. Kejimkujik National Park Seaside created a program for high school classes that uses citizen science to foster awareness of the importance of conservation and youth environmental stewardship. This case study utilized observations, semi-structured interviews with teachers, students and program staff and a knowledge questionnaire and environmental attitudes survey of students to evaluate the program. Results indicate that the program enhanced cognitive knowledge and motivated students to make a difference but did not facilitate environmental stewardship. Significant program and external barriers were identified, based on the Positive Environmental Action Model, as reasons the program did not foster environmental stewardship. Program improvements including more experiential activities during the post-trip visit and developing opportunities with community organizations are discussed as ways to lessen barriers that prevent the transformation of student motivation into action.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3465