Riparian Areas of the Southwest: Learning from Repeat Photographs

Autor/inn/en	Zaimes, George N.; Crimmins, Michael A.
Titel	Riparian Areas of the Southwest: Learning from Repeat Photographs
Quelle	In: Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education, 39 (2010), S.63-69 (7 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1059-9053
DOI	10.4195/jnrlse.2009.0042
Schlagwörter	Outdoor Education; Knowledge Level; Natural Resources; Problem Based Learning; Experiential Learning; Learning Processes; Climate; Teaching Methods; Learning Activities; Photography; Physical Geography; Water; Environmental Education; Ecology; Arizona + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Freiluftunterricht; Wissensbasis; Natural Ressource; Natürliche Ressource; Problem-based learning; Problemorientiertes Lernen; Experiental learning; Erfahrungsorientiertes Lernen; Learning process; Lernprozess; Klima; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Lernaktivität; Fotografie; Physische Geografie; Wasser; Umweltbildung; Umwelterziehung; Umweltpädagogik; Ökologie
Abstract	Spatial and temporal variability of riparian areas, as well as potential impacts from climate change, are concepts that land and water managers and stakeholders need to understand to effectively manage and protect riparian areas. Rapid population growth in the southwestern United States, and multiple-use designation of most riparian areas, makes understanding these concepts even more important. To assist in this endeavor, the Watershed/Riparian and Climate Science Extension programs at the University of Arizona developed two experiential learning exercises with repeat photographs of riparian areas. Experiential learning is the process of learning from direct experiences; repeat photography, a tool for long-term monitoring, provides visual details of landscapes across large temporal scales. The goal of the exercises was to increase the participant's knowledge on certain topics through active participation, communication, problem-based learning, critical thinking, and empowerment. The first exercise examined precipitation, stream flow, and potential climate change impacts on riparian areas. The second exercise investigated how riparian areas change around the state of Arizona and through time while trying to understand the factors that cause these changes. The participants' evaluations indicate that their knowledge level increased after conducting the exercises. In addition, the exercises are a more pleasant way of learning than the traditional teaching methods. These exercises were specific to the southwestern United States but could easily be adapted by extension professionals in other regions of the United States as well as for university courses. The plethora of repeat photographs is an unexploited resource that should be utilized for educational purposes. (Contains 6 figures.) (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	American Society of Agronomy. 677 South Segoe Road, Madison, WI 53711. Tel: 608-273-8080; Fax: 608-273-2021; Web site: http://www.jnrlse.org/
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10