Environmental Education Research & Design
Learn to integrate research findings into environmental education programs using Stanford's design thinking approaches for program enhancement.
Learn to integrate research findings into environmental education programs using Stanford's design thinking approaches for program enhancement.
This comprehensive course bridges the gap between environmental education research and practice. Using Stanford's design thinking methodology, participants learn to access, understand, and apply research findings to enhance their environmental education programs. The course covers understanding learning processes, connecting with nature, developing environmental identities, and building citizen-action skills. Through hands-on activities and collaborative approaches, participants develop practical solutions for integrating research into their educational practice. The course emphasizes partner-based learning and provides tools for accessing and applying research effectively. Designed for field educators, program managers, and stakeholders across various environmental education settings, participants gain valuable skills in research application and program improvement.
Instructors:
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What you'll learn
Learn to identify and implement desired program changes
Develop effective stakeholder interview techniques
Master research finding and application methods
Apply design thinking tools to environmental education
Create research-based program prototypes
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
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There are 8 modules in this course
This course focuses on integrating environmental education research with practical application. Using Stanford's design thinking approach, participants learn to access and implement research findings to enhance their environmental programs. The curriculum covers stakeholder interviews, research methodology, prototype development, and practical implementation strategies. The course emphasizes collaborative learning and provides tools for finding and applying relevant research to improve environmental education practices. Participants develop skills in program assessment, research interpretation, and innovative solution design.
Setting the Stage
Module 1 · 2 Hours to complete
Defining Research
Module 2 · 1 Weeks to complete
Selecting Your Spark
Module 3 · 1 Weeks to complete
Interviewing for Insight
Module 4 · 1 Weeks to complete
Finding Your Change Space
Module 5 · 1 Weeks to complete
Diving into the Research
Module 6 · 1 Weeks to complete
Moving from Ideas to Action
Module 7 · 1 Weeks to complete
Prototyping and Beyond
Module 8 · 1 Weeks to complete
Fee Structure
Instructors
1 Course
Environmental Education Expert and Conservation Research Leader
Dr. Mele Wheaton serves as Associate Director of Program Strategy for Stanford's Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources (E-IPER), bringing extensive expertise in environmental education and conservation research. Her academic foundation includes a BA in Biology and Environmental Studies and a PhD in Education with emphasis in Science and Math from UC Santa Cruz. Before her academic career, she worked as a field biologist and taught environmental education across Alaska, Arizona, and California. Her research portfolio spans environmental behavior change, nature-based tourism impact studies in the Galapagos and California, and initiatives promoting equity in conservation education. At Stanford, she teaches several graduate-level courses including "E-IPER Current Topics Seminar," "Graduate Practicum in Environment and Resources," and "Introduction to Interdisciplinary Environmental Research and Practice." Dr. Wheaton has earned notable recognition including the Chancellor's Dissertation Year Fellowship and the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation Fellowship. Her recent work includes developing innovative environmental education programs and co-creating a design thinking-based course for environmental educators through Stanford's Social Ecology Lab
1 Course
Pioneering Environmental Behavior and Sustainability Education Expert
Dr. Nicole Ardoin, a transformative figure in environmental education, serves as Associate Professor at Stanford's Doerr School of Sustainability, Senior Fellow at the Woods Institute for the Environment, and Director of the Emmett Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources (E-IPER). Her remarkable journey from Grand Canyon park ranger to acclaimed academic exemplifies her deep commitment to environmental stewardship and education. As director of the Social Ecology Lab, she leads groundbreaking research on environmental behavior and community-based conservation, employing innovative mixed-method approaches including ethnography, network analysis, and participatory observation. Her work uniquely bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, focusing on how place-based connections and social-ecological interactions influence environmental decision-making. Dr. Ardoin's academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Social Ecology from Yale University, complementing her extensive field experience. Her influence extends beyond academia through significant roles as associate editor of Environmental Education Research, trustee of the California Academy of Sciences, and advisor to numerous environmental organizations. Her research methodology integrates diverse approaches to understand and promote environmental behavior change, while her leadership in E-IPER has established new paradigms for interdisciplinary environmental education. Through community-based participatory research and innovative teaching methods, she continues to shape the future of environmental education and sustainability practices, making complex environmental challenges more accessible and actionable for diverse audiences.
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Frequently asked questions
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