Environmental education focusing on water - analysis and evaluation of educational methods applied in Germany

Why focus on water?

Water resources fulfil a multitude of ecological, social and economic functions. Water plays a key role in our lives and is essential for the survival of all living beings. In addition, humans have managed to make use of water resources in many different ways, be it to generate energy, as a means of transport or simply for recreational purposes. Water may well be the most precious natural resource humans utilise; therefore, water protection and water education are of utmost importance. The significance of water is also reflected by the role it plays in mythology all around the world. In short humans can easily relate to issues evolving around water and it is particularly suited to conveying the messages of environmental education.

Water impression

The research project

The main objectives are to provide an overview of existing methodological approaches to non-formal water education applied in Germany and evaluate their effectiveness. At the same time, the methods applied to assess the existing educational concepts are analysed and evaluated.
The necessary data are collected by means of various theoretical and empirical research methods. Qualitative content analyses are employed to evaluate the underlying educational concepts of selected water education programmes. Additionally, interviews and questionnaires are used to collect empirical data. The questionnaires address the participants of water education activities who are asked to fill in the questionnaires prior to the programme and again four weeks later. The main target group happens to be primary school children between the ages of 9 and 11. The answers provide information about the participants' knowledge, emotions, their social background, as well as the natural environment, in which they live.
The collected data are analysed and evaluated in accordance with the theoretical framework of the study, which is based on findings of contemporary cognitive psychology.
The research results will be presented and discussed at a public workshop at the end of April 2006. The workshop will address not only researchers and practitioners but anyone who is interested in the results. Ultimately, the results can help to develop practical recommendations and basic environmental education guidelines.