An Instructional Guide to Environmental Campaigns for K-12 Schools

Abstract

Evidence suggests environmental education can correlate with both short- and long-term behavioral changes, but existing research on the effectiveness of popular environmental education tactics show mixed results. Qualitative research was used in this study to assess student engagement and behavioral change within the context of environmental education campaigns. Ideally, students exposed to environmental campaigns become more informed on environmental issues and adjust their behavior to align with the campaign’s objectives. However, only a portion of environmental campaigns have these desired effects on their students. Based on a preliminary literature review, I anticipated the defining catalyst on post-campaign behavioral engagement would be the level of student involvement in the learning and teaching process. Exploratory interviews with environmental educators presented three key factors in changing a child’s attitude and behavior toward the environment: involvement, connection to the local community, and student enjoyment.