This work endorses the need for environmental interpretation and education because
of the threat to the natural environment as a result of the lack of understanding and
knowledge of environmental issues. The writer's personal perspective on the
environment is described. There is a strong advocacy for the use of the fine arts in
interpretative programmes as a way of reaching audiences, and particularly those
individuals who learn through an abstract/symbolic modality. The use of drama is
explored as one of the fine arts media through which all visitors to natural sites can
gain information , experience personal growth, and develop an understanding of
their relationship to the natural world. A study was conducted in which a
questionnaire, which posed 36 questions related to common practices and
experiences, and the use of drama as a medium in environmental interpretation and
education, was used in interviewing representatives of 18 organisations, 9 in Canada
and 9 in Australia, involved in environmental education. The responses to the
questionnaire are summarised and discussed. Of those interviewed, most of the
Australian and Canadian respondents were aware of the need to use a variety of
techniques when developing programmes, had used drama in their programmes, had
all attended programmes where drama was used as the interpretative medium, and
were positive about their experiences. More than two thirds of the respondents
from Australia and Canada indicated that drama should be given a high priority in
environmental interpretation and education in the future. Information on two
children's eco-drama programmes and two workshops for adults on the use of
drama in environmental interpretation and education is also included.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/219263 |
| Date | January 1995 |
| Creators | Powell, Ruth M., n/a |
| Publisher | University of Canberra. Resource, Environmental & Heritage Sciences |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | ), Copyright Ruth M. Powell |
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