Development and application of environmental education program for in-service geography teachers using community mapping and photovoice

Abstract

This study designed an environmental education program for in-service geography teachers using community mapping and photovoice methodology and applied it to in-service geography teachers to derive results. In addition, the study explored the possibilities and implications of these two participatory research techniques as pedagogical tools for geographical and environmental education. In-service geography teachers confirmed that community mapping activities combined with the photovoice methodology can support the development of the geographical skills and spatial thinking about the environment of students. Moreover, they recognized that the program is a useful pedagogical tool for connecting learners with geographical communities to actively explore various geographical and environmental issues in the region, connecting them inside and outside the classroom and reaching an in-depth understanding of geographical and environmental issues through the production of knowledge that expresses their perspectives and experiences. Furthermore, the program, which combines community mapping and photovoice, can be an effective pedagogical tool for fostering community competence and active citizenship in that participants actively participate in the community to create better community change.