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International Perspectives on the Theory and Practice of Environmental Education: A Reader pp 145–161Cite as

A Socioscientific Issues Approach to Environmental Education

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Part of the book series: Environmental Discourses in Science Education ((EDSE,volume 3))

Abstract

This chapter makes a case for applying a socioscientific issues (SSI) approach to environmental education (EE). We present a model for SSI-based teaching and learning that can be used for the development and implementation of EE learning experiences. The model highlights the significance of design elements, teacher attributes, learner experiences, classroom environment, and peripheral influences. We present a description of and results from an experiential environmental issues course as a means of showcasing an implementation example of the model for SSI-based for teaching and learning. The course features contentious environmental issues from the Greater Yellowstone Area with a particular focus on the reintroduction of wolves. The chapter also presents evidence related to how framing this EE course with an SSI approach led to student development of competencies including conceptualizing scientific claims, balancing ethical and cultural considerations, negotiating unintended consequences of proposed solutions, and engaging in socioscientific discourses.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Learning Teaching & Curriculum, College of Education, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA

    Benjamin C. Herman

  2. School of Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, 27412, USA

    Troy D. Sadler

  3. Department of Teaching and Learning, College of Education EDU105, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33620–5650, USA

    Dana L. Zeidler

  4. Department of Science Education, College of Natural Sciences, California State University, Chico, CA, 95929, USA

    Mark H. Newton

Authors
  1. Benjamin C. Herman
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  2. Troy D. Sadler
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  3. Dana L. Zeidler
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  4. Mark H. Newton
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Benjamin C. Herman .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    Giuliano Reis

  2. School of Education, Nipissing University , North Bay, Ontario, Canada

    Jeff Scott

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Herman, B.C., Sadler, T.D., Zeidler, D.L., Newton, M.H. (2018). A Socioscientific Issues Approach to Environmental Education. In: Reis, G., Scott, J. (eds) International Perspectives on the Theory and Practice of Environmental Education: A Reader. Environmental Discourses in Science Education, vol 3. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-67732-3_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-67732-3_11

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-67731-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-67732-3

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

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