Sorin, Reesa, Stannard, Carol, and Gordon, Iain (2015) Postcards across borders. International Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Learning, 22 (2). pp. 11-34.

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Abstract

This research builds upon earlier studies by Sorin and Gordon (2010; 2013) and Sorin (2012; 2014) on how arts-based learning - the exchange of postcards - can enhance understanding of students' perceptions of local and global environments, as well as sustainability. Study groups from these earlier projects were early primary (5 – 8 years old) and kindergarten age (4 – 5 years old). This research sought to ascertain how applying the same art-based technique could engage and encourage older students to reconnect with environment and sustainability issues. Students aged 8-9 years old from two different countries (Australia and Scotland) were paired together to exchange postcards comprising drawings and stories about their environment. Data were gathered from the students' postcards, both the drawings and the text; and pre and post project interviews conducted with the students and their teachers. This paper examines data from the pre and post project interview and overviews some of the postcard image analysis. Initial data analysis of pre and post-project interviews revealed observable shifts in students' understanding, concerns and knowledge of the environment. Post-project interviews reflected an appreciation of the environmental issues of their immediate environment and the other environment, and indicated that students were intrinsically directing their attention to the natural environment and authentic issues; rather than just being led by explicit teaching.

Item ID:	39583
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	2327-7971
Keywords:	science, environment, art-based research
Additional Information:	Author Reesa Sorin has arranged with Common Ground for the accepted versions of 15 of her articles to be available under open access for a once off fee. Email saved to Supp Docs folder.
Date Deposited:	29 Jul 2015 01:25
FoR Codes:	13 EDUCATION > 1303 Specialist Studies in Education > 130399 Specialist Studies in Education not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes:	93 EDUCATION AND TRAINING > 9399 Other Education and Training > 939999 Education and Training not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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