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Changes in Attitudes, Beliefs and Behaviour: A Critical Review of Research into the Impacts of Environmental Education Initiatives

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 June 2015

Anna Gralton ,
Mark Sinclair  and
Ken Purnell
Anna Gralton
Affiliation:
Central Queensland University
Mark Sinclair
Affiliation:
Central Queensland University
Ken Purnell*
Affiliation:
Central Queensland University
*
†Associate Dean (Teaching & Learning) and Head of School, Education & Innovation, Faculty of Education & Creative Arts, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Qld 4702. Email k.purnell@cqu.edu.au
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Abstract

This paper reviews research literature on the impact of environmental education initiatives on learners' attitudes, beliefs and behaviours. The review focuses on initiatives involving learners of all ages and school-aged learners in particular. The review shows two things. There is some evidence that environmental education initiatives are associated with changed beliefs and attitudes, and this is mainly in the short-term. There is little evidence that environmental education initiatives lead to behavioural change, especially in the longer-term. The review concludes that there is a need for more and better research evidence that behavioural change in learners follows from involvement in environmental education.

Keywords

Environmental educationbehavioural changebeliefs and attitudes.
Type
Research Article
Information
Australian Journal of Environmental Education , Volume 20 , Issue 2 , 2004 , pp. 41 - 52
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2004

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