From nature deficit to outdoor exploration: curriculum for sustainability in Vermont's public schools. Issue 3 (3rd July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Silverman, Jonathan; Corneau, Nicole
• Is Part Of: Journal of adventure education and outdoor learning. Volume 17:Issue 3(2017)
• Page Start: 258
• Page End: 273
• Publication Date: 2017-07-03
• Subjects: Place-based education -- hands-on learning -- sustainability education -- interdisciplinary teaching -- Vermont education; Adventure education -- Periodicals; Outdoor education -- Periodicals; 371.38405
• DOI: 10.1080/14729679.2016.1269235
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-9679

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Children today are spending less time than ever outdoors, contributing to a culture of environmental apathy and separation from the natural world. In the growing field of environmental education, teachers are challenged to introduce the outdoors into their curriculum. In Vermont, some public school teachers have successfully implemented environmental education into their practice in a variety of interesting ways. This paper analyzes a series of teacher interviews and observations in Vermont public schools to identify successful strategies and pedagogies being utilized for environmental education. Several common themes emerged from this study, including place-based education, hands-on exploration, and free choice learning.