Abstract
This thesis is about the role of the educator in the resolution of environmental issues. I contend that the role of the educator is to enable and actively engage in a social change process by attempting to reduce inequities of process and action. In order to undertake this role, it is argued that the role of the educator in social change has the following characteristics and principles:• Brings together people who have expressed an interest in the issue so that different perspectives and views can be contested and debated face-to-face over a period of time.
• Builds relationships, dialogue and understandings between and among different people involved in the issue so that perspectives are shared and better understood in light of a greater understanding of the lifestyle and ‘culture’ of those with a different perspective.
• Responds to the values and beliefs of the people who are most affected by the decisions being made.
• Physically works towards providing on-ground, practical responses, under the guidance of those whose lives are most impacted by the change.
• Enables associated policy changes and organisational arrangements consistent with practices to be undertaken.
• Presents and encourages consideration of concerns and or views that are not represented or expressed by those people who are intricately involved in the issue.
• Enables all people wishing to be involved in an issue to express their views in a non-threatening and welcoming environment that encourages participation, with participation focusing on change and issue resolution to the satisfaction of participants.
| Date of Award | 2002 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Jeanne Young (Supervisor) & Damien McCrae (Supervisor) |