This volume serves as an overview document for a six-volume sourcebook collection describing the development of a regional environmental learning system. Included in this volume are: (1) organization of the sourcebook, (2) project description, (3) issues, (4) definitions of environmental education, (5) approaches and strategies for environmental…

Discussed in this volume is the development of a design for a Regional Environmental Learning System. This design begins with the generation of options from which later design changes will be made. Topics covered include: (1) mission for environmental education; (2) political perspectives for design; (3) the task of conceptual design; and (4)…

This volume deals with the evaluation of a Regional Environmental Learning System (RELS). Five contexts of local evaluation are discussed: (1) evaluation by a board of directors, (2) evaluation of impact of inservice, (3) evaluation of bias, (4) evaluation of student achievement, and (5) ethnographic evaluation of a community-based program. Case…

This volume focuses on elaborating the concept and design of a Regional Environmental Learning System (RELS). Chapters are devoted to close examination of concept and design including: (1) introduction, (2) definition of RELS, (3) RELS structure and operation, (4) dealing with environmental issues through RELS, (5) mobilizing interest in RELS, (6)…

The steps, approaches, and tools of the collective inquiry process posited by a Regional Environmental Learning System is the subject of this volume. Approaches discussed include: (1) charette approach, (2) AT&T/Battelle approach, and (3) the Washington State approach. Tools for collective inquiry are described and field tests are discussed.…

Reported is one of a series of research and development efforts at the University of Virginia sponsored by the U.S. Office of Environmental Education. These projects are intended to produce approaches, methods, and basic resources needed to improve local capabilities in environmental education program design and implementation. Presented in this…

The author discusses complexity, environmental education, and learning strategies. Using the concept of time, complexity is divided into two main types: (1) substantive and (2) structural. The author asserts that there exists a principle of tradeoff between these two types where one of the types can be increased while the other is decreased until…

Reported are possible methods for integrating environmental education into existing public school curricula. This volume proposes a technique called "piggy-backing" by which environmental education may be integrated into existing curricula with none or very little increase in teacher work loads and per pupil cost. Examples of integration include…

Examines the major reasons for the slow pace of institutionalization of environmental education in schools. Offers the Regional Environmental Learning System (RELS) as a model of a coordinating base for program evaluation and maintenance. Also identifies this concept's specific characteristics and its set of primary roles. (ML)