Summer Environmental StudyMichaela Somers

Applying Ecopedagogy: Critical Literacy and Earth Systems-thinking for Hope, Empathy, and the Conservation of Nature

My work this summer will combine my ongoing studies and continued field research in ecology with my interest in pursuing education/applying educational theory (namely the critical literacy frameworks of Paulo Freire (from "pedagogy of the oppressed") and David Orr's (1992) conceptualization of "environmental literacy" from his essay "Environmental Literacy: Educating as if the Earth Mattered"). My work will support a community conservation organization (specific location tbd) and investigate how science and ecological knowledge are reproduced, provide hands-on engagement with participants in an eco pedagogical learning environment, and engage environmental educators– methodologically informed by María Vilches Norat's application of ecopedagogy (a two step process including deductive-inductive content analysis followed by a intrinsic case study).