The role of post-visit action resources in facilitating meaningful free-choice learning after a zoo visit |
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Authors: | Jill N H Bueddefeld Christine M Van Winkle |
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Institution: | 1. Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada;2. Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada |
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Abstract: | Places like zoos, where free-choice learning is encouraged, are important for conveying climate change and sustainability issues to the public. Free-choice learning that targets environmentally focused sustainable behavior changes must be meaningful in order to encourage actual behavior change post-visit. However, visitors often fail to translate their learning into behavior change after a visit. This research explores the role of post-visit action resources (PVARs) in facilitating long-term learning for individual environmental sustainability after a visit to the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre in Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park Zoo in Manitoba, Canada. An embedded mixed-methods research design used personal meaning maps and follow-up interviews to measure free-choice learning; data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Findings revealed that the PVARs positively affected free-choice learning after an on-site visit to the zoo. Recommendations and implications are discussed in relation to practical applications and implications for future research in environmental education. |
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Keywords: | Free-choice learning post-visit action resources learning for environmental sustainability personal meaning mapping environmental education |
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