Effective environmental education through significant life experiences

Abstract

This study seeks to determine the significant life experiences that influenced a sample of Malta's leading environmentalists to become interested in and committed to environment protection and establishing the life paths they have followed as they developed environmental action. Structured interviews were conducted with seventeen leading environmental activists who represented a broad range of issues. Research in SLEs served as a valuable tool to understand the kinds of experiences that produce adults who are committed to environmental protection. Results highlighted the importance of providing outdoor experiences especially in natural settings, adult role models, media, education and participation in environmental groups to foster interest in the environment. Environmental commitment was usually triggered off as a result of the loss of a significant environment. The path taken by interviewees was a combination of planned and spontaneous experiences. This research highlights the crucial role of adult role models who are likely to make or break interest in the environment as they give significance to an otherwise common event. Finally, the study identifies the implications of its findings for a more effective environmental education.