ERIC Number: EJ1405124
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0095-8964
EISSN: EISSN-1940-1892
Predator Free 2050 and Pedagogy: Teaching about Introduced Predators in Aotearoa New Zealand
Journal of Environmental Education, v54 n6 p355-370 2023
Invasive species pose a threat to biodiversity, and as such feature in some conservation education programs. However, there is debate about how to teach this difficult subject. We explored perspectives using a case study of education about introduced mammalian predators in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 NZ educators and animal welfare advocates and supplemented these data with material from a broader project on predator control in NZ. Our data indicated agreement that education should: 1) encourage respect for all animals, i.e., introduced predators should not be demonized and must be killed humanely; 2) enable children to develop their own opinions, e.g., whether to participate in trapping; and 3) designing programs to suit specific contexts, e.g., rural versus urban. However, there were disagreements, for example at what age children might begin trapping, and whether guiding students toward a particular conclusion is compatible with enabling their agency.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Wildlife, Biodiversity, Conservation Education, Elementary School Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, Paraprofessional Personnel, Social Environment, Teaching Methods, Best Practices
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Zealand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A