Module Identifier
RS31910
Module Title
INTERPRETATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Academic Year
2008/2009
Co-ordinator
Mr Ian P Keirle
Semester
Semester 1
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 11 x 2 hour lectures
Other 3 x 3 hour visits per semester
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment 2000 word written assignment  Outcomes assessed: 1, 2  50%
Semester Exam 2 Hours   Written examination  Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4  50%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   Written examination.  (August resit Honours candidates only). All other candidates will be required to re-take failed element(s) of assessment.  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Critically discuss the potential functions that interpretation may seek to achieve

2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the processes involved in planning, writing, designing and producing interpretive materials

3. Evaluate the changing role of environmental education and explain how it is delivered in practice

4. Assess the planning and resource requirements needed to deliver safe and effective environmental education.

Brief description

Interpretation is the process of communicating the significance of a place or object so that users may enjoy it more, understand it better, and develop a positive attitude to conservation. It is increasingly seen as a vital tool in the management of countryside sites and has become a vital element of visitor attractions. It is important to understand the factors that make interpretation successful and the different types of media available. Environmental education is the name given to all educational activities that seek to develop people¿s knowledge of the environment

This module seeks to develop an understanding of the philosophy and techniques associated with interpretation and environmental education. After initially considering the potential reasons for undertaking interpretation the content then moves onto the specifics of issues such as design, writing text, interpretive media and evaluation of effectiveness. The environmental education element of the module starts by reviewing how people learn. The role of the national curriculum is detailed together with differing approaches to environmental education such as Eco Schools and Earth Education. The module concludes by looking at how environmental education is evolving into the new discipline of 'Education for Sustainable Development'.

Content

The philosophy of interpretation
Interpretive planning
Interpretive media
Design for interpretation
Evaluating the effectiveness of interpretation
The philosophy of environmental education
Health and safety and ethics associated with environmental education
How environmental education fits into the national curriculum
How people learn
Alternative approaches to environmental education
Education for sustainable development

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number
Communication The assignment will directly assess communication skills.
Improving own Learning and Performance Part of the module considers how people learn and how learning can be made more effective. This should help to develop students' own approaches to learning and developing skills.
Information Technology The assignment may involve IT, depending on the approach taken in developing the assignment.
Personal Development and Career planning
Problem solving
Research skills
Subject Specific Skills Interpretive planning and design
Team work

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6