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Once experienced, never ignored active learning as a tool for behavior change : a case study of world wide opportunities on organic farms

Melin, Margaret LU (2012) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM01 20121
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
The health of the environment is not a pressing issue for many, or if it is, this concern is not always reflected in their behavior. How can greater pro-environmental behavior be encouraged in individuals? This study seeks to understand if an active learning experience can be used as a tool to enhance pro-environmental behavior. The volunteer-exchange program called World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) was used as a case study to explore this question. The self-reported pro-environmental behavior change of 1,381 volunteers was assessed, and an educational active learning framework called the 5E Learning Cycle Model was used to understand how the quality of an active learning experience can impact behavior change. Survey and... (More)
The health of the environment is not a pressing issue for many, or if it is, this concern is not always reflected in their behavior. How can greater pro-environmental behavior be encouraged in individuals? This study seeks to understand if an active learning experience can be used as a tool to enhance pro-environmental behavior. The volunteer-exchange program called World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) was used as a case study to explore this question. The self-reported pro-environmental behavior change of 1,381 volunteers was assessed, and an educational active learning framework called the 5E Learning Cycle Model was used to understand how the quality of an active learning experience can impact behavior change. Survey and interview results showed that a variety of components of a volunteer’s experience, especially in combination, can predict increases in their pro-environmental behavior. These components include being open and curious about learning, finding enjoyment in the hands-on activities, having discussions with others, living a different lifestyle for an extended period of time, reflecting about the experience, feeling connected to others or to nature, and experiencing positive emotions such as feeling useful, peaceful or having a sense of belonging. Of the active learning components, having frequent discussions with others who live environmentally conscious lifestyles was found to be the most strongly correlated with increased pro-environmental behavior change. Overall active learning was found to be an effective tool for enhancing pro-environmental behavior. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Melin, Margaret LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM01 20121
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
experiential learning, pro-environmental behavior change, active learning, 5E Learning cycle model, world wide opportunities of organic farms, WWOOF
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2012:003
language
English
id
2760169
date added to LUP
2012-06-21 00:56:13
date last changed
2012-11-26 10:26:10
@misc{2760169,
  abstract     = {{The health of the environment is not a pressing issue for many, or if it is, this concern is not always reflected in their behavior. How can greater pro-environmental behavior be encouraged in individuals? This study seeks to understand if an active learning experience can be used as a tool to enhance pro-environmental behavior. The volunteer-exchange program called World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) was used as a case study to explore this question. The self-reported pro-environmental behavior change of 1,381 volunteers was assessed, and an educational active learning framework called the 5E Learning Cycle Model was used to understand how the quality of an active learning experience can impact behavior change. Survey and interview results showed that a variety of components of a volunteer’s experience, especially in combination, can predict increases in their pro-environmental behavior. These components include being open and curious about learning, finding enjoyment in the hands-on activities, having discussions with others, living a different lifestyle for an extended period of time, reflecting about the experience, feeling connected to others or to nature, and experiencing positive emotions such as feeling useful, peaceful or having a sense of belonging. Of the active learning components, having frequent discussions with others who live environmentally conscious lifestyles was found to be the most strongly correlated with increased pro-environmental behavior change. Overall active learning was found to be an effective tool for enhancing pro-environmental behavior.}},
  author       = {{Melin, Margaret}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{Once experienced, never ignored active learning as a tool for behavior change : a case study of world wide opportunities on organic farms}},
  year         = {{2012}},
}