Earthkeepers in the Czech Republic: Experience from the implementation process of an earth education programme

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Published: Dec 31, 2013
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14712/18023061.397
Keywords:
Earth education, evaluation, attitude, ecological knowledge

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Jan Činčera
Bruce Johnson

Abstract

The article presents experience with implementation of the international Earthkeepers earth education programme in the Czech Republic. The paper begins with an evaluation of the implementation process from the point of view of the staff of the Bohemian Paradise Ecological Education Centre (Středisko ekologické výchovy Český ráj) that prepared and conducted the Czech version of the programme. According to their assessment, the process was challenging, demanding, and rewarding. In the second part, the article analyzes pupils’ (age 10-12) and teachers’ satisfaction with the programme. The respondents expressed a high level of satisfaction, with the programme having a lingering effect on following school lessons. The last part presents the effects of the piloted programme on pupils’ ecological knowledge and attitudes. The results proved to have a positive impact of the programme on both variables. Implications for further dissemination of the programme in the Czech Republic are discussed.

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How to Cite
Činčera, J., & Johnson, B. (2013). Earthkeepers in the Czech Republic: Experience from the implementation process of an earth education programme. Envigogika, 8(4). https://doi.org/10.14712/18023061.397
Issue
Vol. 8 No. 4 (2013): English Issue
Section
Reviewed Papers
Author Biographies

Jan Činčera

Technical University of Liberec, Department of Education and Psychology & Masaryk University Brno, Department of Environmental Studies

The author focuses on theory, methodics and evaluation of environmental education and education for sustainable development. He cooperates with environmental education centres as a programme evaluator and consultant.

Bruce Johnson

Bruce Johnson is Professor of environmental learning and science education at the University of Arizona, where is also serves as Director of the Earth Education Research and Evaluation Team and Co-Director of the STEM Learning Center. He is also the International Program Coordinator of The Institute for Earth Education, an international non-profit educational organization.

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