Transformative learning and informal environmental education
Subtitle: the case of community gardens.
Published: 2004
Language: eng
Number of pages: 109
Subjects: Gardening -- Social aspects; Community gardens -- Social aspects.; Urban agriculture.; Land use, Urban.; Environmental education.; Education, Urban.; Outdoor education.; Attitude change.
Description: Gardeners who developed or coordinated a community garden had a higher level of participation, were more knowledgeable about environmental issues and had stronger beliefs in the impact of their actions than gardeners who participated as members. Educational programs can play an important role in raising awareness, fostering social and environmental change, encouraging leadership skills and nurturing transformative learning.Community gardening has great potential to transform participants' views of environmental, social and economic systems. This study explored the learning experiences of adult gardeners in Toronto.Some of the most significant learning outcomes were recognizing the worth of others and questioning assumptions of the dominant worldview. As participants reflected on their relationship with others, they develop more inclusive attitudes and practices. In some cases, the practice of organic agriculture helped gardeners to become more critical of conventional agriculture and to establish a closer connection with nature.
Notes: Adviser:  Daniel Schugurensky.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Toronto, 2004.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 43-03, page: 0653.

MICR copy on microfiche (2 microfiches).