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Article
Building Capacity for Socio-Ecological Change through the Campus Farm: A Mixed-Methods Study
Environmental Education Research
  • Francesca A. Williamson, Indiana University School of Medicine
  • Amber J. Rollings, bThe Henry Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
  • Grant A. Fore, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
  • Julia L Angstmann, Center for Urban Ecology, Butler University
  • Brandon H. Sorge, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-9-2022
DOI
10.1080/13504622.2022.2070604
Additional Publication URL
https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2022.2070604
Abstract

Given the ongoing socio-ecological crises, higher education institutions need curricular interventions to support students in developing the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to create a sustainable future. Campus farms are increasingly becoming sites for sustainability and environmental education toward this end. This paper describes the design and outcomes of a farm-situated place-based experiential learning (PBEL) intervention in two undergraduate biology courses and one environmental studies course over two academic years. We conducted a mixed-method study using pre/post-surveys and focus groups to examine the relationship between the PBEL intervention and students’ sense of place and expressions of pro-environmentalism. The quantitative analysis indicated measurable shifts in students’ place attachment and place-meaning scores. The qualitative findings illustrate a complex relationship between students’ academic/career interests, backgrounds, and pro-environmentalism. We integrated these findings to generate a model of sustainability learning through PBEL and argue for deepening learning to encourage active participation in socio-ecological change.

Rights

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Environmental Education Research on May 9th 2022. The published version of this article can be found online at Taylor Francis Online.

Citation Information
Francesca A. Williamson, Amber J. Rollings, Grant A. Fore, Julia L Angstmann, et al.. "Building Capacity for Socio-Ecological Change through the Campus Farm: A Mixed-Methods Study" Environmental Education Research (2022)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/julia-angstmann/10/