ERIC Number: EJ1236165
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Dec
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1857-6036
EISSN: N/A
Sustainability Education through Active-Learning in Large Lecture Settings: Evaluation of Four Out-of-Class Exercises
Baldwin, Jeff
European Journal of Educational Sciences, v3 n4 p57-80 Dec 2016
Large classes on sustainable development present certain challenges. Often high student to instructor ratios encourage passive learning pedagogies. However, because sustainability education seeks to increase awareness and help students shift to more sustainable behaviors, more active learning is often prescribed by pedagogical experts. This study provides analysis of four out-of-classroom activities undertaken by students in recent offerings of an experimental course on sustainable development taught at Sonoma State University in California, USA. Those activities, innovated specifically for this course, attempt to increase learner centered activities in large classes that averaged 124 students. Analysis of open-ended reflections indicates that many students experienced raised awareness of sustainability issues. Beyond aspirational statements, student reflections and actual behavioral tracking indicate some shifts to lower carbon food choices in just four weeks.
Descriptors: Environmental Education, Sustainable Development, Active Learning, Lecture Method, Class Size, Experimental Curriculum, State Universities, Consciousness Raising, Behavior Change, Food, Transportation, Introductory Courses, Student Centered Learning, Climate, Learning Activities, Relevance (Education), Campuses, Undergraduate Students
European Scientific Institute. International Relation Office, St. 203, No.1, 2300 Kocani, Republic of Macedonia. e-mail: contat@ejes.eu; Web site: http://ejes.eu/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A