Fostering an Environmental Ethic through Service Learning

Abstract

Objective: To explore connections between environmental education, public concern for environmental health, and service learning. Methods: A 20-item survey was administered to same students at the beginning and end of a 15-week Environmental Health course. Qualitative data were collected from reflective papers based on students involved in community based learning. Results: The findings of the study revealed that students grew in their sense of environmental responsibility; significantly increased their “level of concern” for 18 of the 20 environmental variables measured; and viewed community action as empowering. Conclusion: Students’ participation in an Environmental Health course and engagement in service learning increased their overall support for a variety of environmental issues.