Circles of learning : creating opportunity to give voice and bear witness to self, others, and nature in environmental education
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Issue Date
2013-03-21
Editor
Authors
Cameron, Laura C.
License
Subject
Circles of learning
Circle
council
communication
transformation
environmental education
phenomenological
emotional
ecological identity
self-awareness
listening
community
connection
nature
wonder
Circle
council
communication
transformation
environmental education
phenomenological
emotional
ecological identity
self-awareness
listening
community
connection
nature
wonder
Abstract
By asking, “Is Circle (also known as “council”) an effective methodology for
environmental education?”, this thesis explores the significance of creating Circles
of learning as a communication process with implications for environmental
education and personal transformation. From a phenomenological perspective, I
have positioned my research as an autobiographical narrative of what it is to be
both researcher (observer) and research instrument (facilitator & participant) as
well as creating the conditions for a case study of Circle participants. Further, I
held interviews with Circle practitioners and instructors. The premise of Circle is to
create an intentional listening space for each person to have a voice and be
witnessed as they tell their stories. This paper provides some insight here, and
explores how Circle can become an effective means of exploring ecological identity,
self-awareness, relationship-building, a sense of community, emotional connections
to nature and a sense of wonder within the process.