Routledge Education in Times of Environmental Crises: Teaching Children to Be Agents of Change

The core assumption of this book is the interconnectedness of humans and nature, and that the future of the planet depends on humans’ recognition and care for this interconnectedness. This comprehensive resource supports the work of pre-service and practicing elementary teachers as they teach their students to be part of the world as engaged citizens, advocates for social and ecological justice. Challenging readers to more explicitly address current environmental issues with students in their classrooms, the book presents a diverse set of topics from a variety of perspectives. Its broad social/cultural perspective emphasizes that social and ecological justice are interrelated. Coverage includes descriptions of environmental education pedagogies such as nature-based experiences and place-based studies; peace-education practices; children doing environmental activism; and teachers supporting children emotionally in times of climate disruption and tumult. The pedagogies described invite student engagement and action in the public sphere. Children are represented as ‘agents of change’ engaged in social and environmental issues and problems through their actions both local and global. Review "In summary, Education in Times of Environmental Crises is an important, rigorous, empowering book that provides the notions and guidance for environmentalists who are seeking new ways to create  awareness  and  consciousness  raising  that  will  lead  to  action  and  change.  Instead  of  throwing  mere  facts  and  numbers  about  our  endangered  planet,  contributors  discuss  methods  and  real-life  experiences  centred  on  environmental  education  and  citizenship  studies,  with  an  insistence on the local scene dynamics and issues. Advanced undergraduates and students in higher  levels  would  also  benefit  from  these  strong  case  studies;  many  of  those  essays  are  so  rigorous they could serve as templates for future research in other settings. Elementary schools and university libraries (in English-speaking institutions) should own a copy of it."― Yves Laberge, Electronic Green Journal "This book is an enjoyable read, with many articles using case studies or vignettes to convey their story. As such, it would be beneficial for any formal or non-formal educator who wishes to learn more about inspiring children to become the 'agents of change' during these challenging times." ― Kim Zumach, Green Teacher About the Author Ken Winograd is Associate Professor, College of Education, Oregon State University, USA.