Module 4

Activities	OHTs
Resources	Readings

Using the Environment
and Community as a
Resource for Learning in
Coastal and Marine Studies

Introduction	Objectives
Workshop Outline	Materials Required
Further Reading

Introduction

This module encourages teaching and learning through the use of experiences and community resources from outside the classroom. Providing students with high quality learning activities in relevant situations beyond the four walls of the classroom can provide a sense of environmental and cultural appreciation, altered perspectives, and first hand practical experiences that enhance learning. In the context of learning about the coastal and marine environment, the opportunity for such experiences is critical as students are then more able to use their developing knowledge, skills and attitudes in their everyday lives.

The community can also be brought to the classroom. As well as a range of coastal and marine science and management guest speakers, community resources can include local environmental groups, indigenous communities/groups, and staff from environmental centres, museums, aquaria, etc. The workshop activities provide teachers with an overview of the wide range of field studies and community resources that may be used in coastal and marine studies and give an awareness of general issues and principles for making effective use of them.

Objectives

The objectives of this workshop are:

to develop an awareness of the positive impact that experiences outside the classroom can have on learning;
to develop an understanding of the planning, organisation and risk management strategies required for teaching outside the classroom;
to provide participants with a knowledge of some effective teaching and learning strategies for teaching outside the classroom;
to develop an awareness of the range of community organisations and individuals that can be accessed to provide significant learning experiences for students; and
to develop an awareness of basic consultation protocols and pedagogical principles that must be considered when using community members as a resource for learning.

Workshop Outline

There are six activities in this workshop:

Introduction
This activity provides participants with an opportunity to get to know one another. This is followed by the presentation of the workshop outline which introduces the two main themes of the workshop: using the environment as a resource for learning in coastal and marine studies; and using the community as a resource for learning in coastal and marine studies.
The Purpose, Nature and Scope of Fieldwork
Participants work in groups to discuss approaches to field work based on a case study. This is followed by a mini-lecture which reviews the nature, purpose and objectives of fieldwork.
Planning for Effective Fieldwork
In this activity participants work in groups to consider the wide range of issues that need to be considered when planning a field trip.
Risk Management
Participants work in pairs to determine some sources of risk involved with fieldwork and discuss ways of managing and minimising risk. This discussion is followed by a mini-lecture on the principles of risk management.
The Purpose, Nature and Scope of Community-Based Learning
In this activity participants explore the range of community groups and individuals that can be accessed for learning in coastal and marine studies. Participants are also introduced to some principles, in particular cross-cultural protocols, that must be considered when using community members as a resource for learning.
Coastcare
This activity introduces participants to the concept and operation of a community-based coastal program (Coastcare). Coastcare case studies are discussed as examples of school-based coastal and marine projects.

Materials Required

A. Provided

Overhead Transparencies
OHT 1	Objectives of the Workshop
OHT 2	Workshop Outline
OHT 3	Objectives of Fieldwork
OHT 4A	Approaches to Fieldwork: Field Teaching
OHT 4B	Approaches to Fieldwork: Field Research
OHT 4C	Approaches to Fieldwork: Guided Field Research
OHT 5	Three Phases of Planning
OHT 6A	Planning Learning Experiences Outside the Classroom - Teacher Preparation
OHT 6B	Planning Learning Experiences Outside the Classroom - Student Preparation
OHT 7	Risk Analysis and Management System for a Rook Pool Study
OHT 8	Principles of Risk Management
OHT 9	The Variety of Resources in the Community
OHT 10	Coastcare
Resources
Resource 1	Staffroom Chat!
Resource 2	Risk Analysis Matrix
Resource 3	People and Organisations
Resource 4	Principles for Using Community Members as a Resource
Resource 5	Coastcare Case Study 1: Sorrell School, Park Beach Coastcare Project
Resource 6	Coastcare Case Study 2: Angels Beach Dune Care Group
Resource 7	Coastcare Contacts
Resource 8	Coastal and Marine Community Network
Readings
Reading 1	The Nature and Purposes of Fieldwork
Reading 2	Risk Management

B. To be obtained

Activity 1	A soft toy for the icebreaker (preferably with marine focus, e.g. a stuffed toy dolphin, fish, etc.). It will need to be safe and durable enough to be thrown around a circle of participants during the activity.
Activity 5	A clear glass or plastic bowl to use as a rock pool to hold slips cut out of Resource 3 and Resource 4.

Module 4

Using the Environment and Community as a Resource for Learning in Coastal and Marine Studies

Introduction

Objectives

Workshop Outline

Materials Required

A. Provided

Overhead Transparencies

Resources

Readings

B. To be obtained

Further Reading

Using the Environment
and Community as a
Resource for Learning in
Coastal and Marine Studies