Interagency Resource Teams: a Model for Collaborative Approaches to Environmental Education

Abstract

The Undergraduate Interagency Resource Teams at the White Mountain Research Station of the University of California were created in 1994 to support resource‐agency mandates and academic research objectives by providing qualified students who can learn, apply, and improve research and agency monitoring protocols. Drawing from documented elements of other successful internship programs, we identified four basic components that we believe may enhance the potential success of the interns: (1) self‐directed learning methodologies, (2) multidisciplinary approaches to science, (3) reflection on and documentation of intern learning, and (4) principles of a positive work environment, including teamwork, conflict resolution, and effective communication. During a 10‐week summer session, the Interagency Resource Teams expose approximately 17 students to the professional worlds of natural resource agencies and research scientists. In this environment, we have also observed that the internship program not only exposes students to resource management careers but may also help bridge the gap between resource agency specialists and academic researchers.

Designing a Real-World Course for Environmental Studies Students: Entering a Social-Ecological System

“…Student research in a community setting provides an opportunity for an assessment of one's own role in the SES being studied, and we ask students to be active in and aware of their personal growth. Self-reflection as a part of the research process is a key component in cooperative learning [44], as well as in service-learning [45] and experiential learning [11]. As Kolb and Kolb [11] note, reflection is part of a learning cycle or "recursive process" of knowledge construction (p. 194).…”

Focus on Field Stations

“…Furthermore, interns begin to address the complexities of natural resource monitoring and research by integrating traditional science methods with new educational theories. Throughout the summer, students will explore the use of multi-hypotheses in the scientific method, as well as current theories in self-directed learning, conflict resolution, and leadership (Hancock et al 2001). WMRS is also expanding the Internship Program to support more advanced Research Experiences for Undergraduates.…”