Education; ECO-ARTS as agents of change

For those who have witnessed the impact that the arts can have on environmental education outcomes you may be interested in the July 2017 issue of the Australian Journal of Environmental Education
Volume 33, Issue  2 

It highlights a study Arts Education as a Vehicle for Social Change: An Empirical Study of the Eco Arts in the K-12 Classroom, a paper by Jeniffer Sams (Indiana University, USA) & Doreen Sams (Georgia College & State University, USA)

The study "unpacks the role of the arts as change agents". The paper points out the gap in academic literature related to "synergistic work of the arts and sciences." 

Animal tracks
demonstrated by Reef Check

STEM subjects integrated with Arts benefit by opening students up to a new way of applying knowledge that ultimately has the capacity to create change.

Research viewing the arts as a medium for sharing and influencing cultures between societies is cited and that early exposure to arts education and continued exposure to the arts can create a lifetime of original thinking and problem solving. 

Using lateral thinking
to create coral from recycled
packing materials

The study advises that artists have historically been the keepers of culture and social commentators and that "measures must be taken to address environmental literacy, environmental stewardship and sustainability from several angles."

Find the abstract information here








www.ausmepa.org.au