Once experienced, never ignored active learning as a tool for behavior change : a case study of world wide opportunities on organic farms

Sammanfattning: The health of the environment is not a pressing issue for many, or if it is, this concern is not always reflected in their behavior. How can greater pro-environmental behavior be encouraged in individuals? This study seeks to understand if an active learning experience can be used as a tool to enhance pro-environmental behavior. The volunteer-exchange program called World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) was used as a case study to explore this question. The self-reported pro-environmental behavior change of 1,381 volunteers was assessed, and an educational active learning framework called the 5E Learning Cycle Model was used to understand how the quality of an active learning experience can impact behavior change. Survey and interview results showed that a variety of components of a volunteer’s experience, especially in combination, can predict increases in their pro-environmental behavior. These components include being open and curious about learning, finding enjoyment in the hands-on activities, having discussions with others, living a different lifestyle for an extended period of time, reflecting about the experience, feeling connected to others or to nature, and experiencing positive emotions such as feeling useful, peaceful or having a sense of belonging. Of the active learning components, having frequent discussions with others who live environmentally conscious lifestyles was found to be the most strongly correlated with increased pro-environmental behavior change. Overall active learning was found to be an effective tool for enhancing pro-environmental behavior.