Summarizes and evaluates dissimilar perspectives about what "if American schools are to serve the general welfare of a democratic society, they must effectively promote education for responsible citizenship" means and how it should be approached in the context of practical approaches to education about or for the environment. (Contains 24…

Describes a method for assessing the effects of an undergraduate environmental history course on student environmental worldviews, the foundation of which is triangulation of method. A grounded survey instrument was used to supply quantitative and qualitative data which were supplemented by data from open-ended interviews. The method was effective…

Investigates the acceptability and possible role of virtual reality (VR) in environmental education. Among the principal findings were that the sample population of environmental educators indicated an acceptance of VR as a teaching tool. VR applications that allow students to have an experience not available in the physical world were perceived…

Communication among disparate elements of the environmental education community is needed to arrive at a clarity of purpose and an agreement concerning mutual objectives necessary to establish viable niches within the educational establishment and in society. Described are several efforts toward intergroup cooperation. (Author/WB)

Identifies environmental education activities of state education agencies, emphasizing roles of state coordinators. Includes characteristics and responsibilities of state coordinators, changes in percentages of time allocated to environmental education (1974-1981), other state education personnel with responsibilities in environmental education,…

This study focuses on secondary students' (n=79) understanding of ecological concepts and the influence of field instruction strategies on their understanding and retention. Results indicate all groups exhibited statistically significant posttest gains and showed evidence of retaining the targeted concepts. (Author/MCO)

Defined is the concept of sustainable development. The historical development of the term in environmental education is described. The role of education, science and social studies, and impediments to instruction on this topic are discussed. (CW)

Activities in environmental education in the United States during the 1980s are summarized, in terms of audiences involved--formal (school), college/university, and nonformal. Discussion focuses on specific programs and materials, in summary fashion. Trends are noted, and speculative projections into the 1990s are offered. (36 references) (Author)