Bird-Science Education

Facilitated by Leo R. Douglas Ph.D., Environmental Studies, New York University (NYU). E-mail: lrd8@nyu.edu

Co-Organizers: Loraine Cooke Ph.D., School of Education, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica. E-mail: loraine.cook02@uwimona.edu.jm & Livingston White Ph.D., Caribbean School of Media and Communication, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica. E-mail: livingstonwhite@gmail.com

Purpose: To workshop the lessons and insights of the first ever investigation of the short, medium and long-term effects of student participation in a bird and nature education program in the Caribbean. The event aims to illuminate both the value and the challenges of bird education programs, and enlist the BirdsCaribbean membership in a reflection of the broader opportunities and barriers to engaging a wider constituency of Caribbean nationals through wildlife education programs and events.

Overview: The significance of knowledge acquisition, attitude and behavior changes resulting from conservation education programs has been extensively debated in the academic literature. Using an experimental design, BirdsCaribbean, in collaboration with the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center (SMBC) and the University of the West Indies (Mona) conducted the first known long-term study of the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of high school students about birds in the Caribbean. Our central objective was to determine whether and to what extent a short-term bird-science experience could produce significant positive outcomes observable over multiple years. We discuss our results within the context of educational theories that link knowledge and learning experiences to observable or behavioral-intention changes. We aim to utilize the opportunity of this workshop to not only share the project findings and place them within a larger theoretical context, but also as an important opportunity to have the Caribbean conservation community interested in bird education and local outreach discuss, reflect and further interrogate the finding and implications of the work.

Workshop Objectives:

▪ Provide the community an opportunity to participate in a summative assessment of an important research-based study of a bird-education approach.

▪ Provide a space for education practitioners from different theoretical and practical backgrounds to discuss the findings to further inform and enrich our understanding of their value and potential application.

▪ Identify actionable lessons that may be incorporated into wildlife education programs to improve their effectiveness.

Session Structure: The session will begin with a presentation (25 min) of the core findings of the approximately 3.5 year study. This will be followed by two presentations (15-20 min) on key aspects of the study from the perspective of Educational Psychology and through the lens of Conservation Behavior Change. This will be followed by facilitated discussion including break-out group discussions (60 min).

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