Jaiswal, Sonia Devyani
(2025)
An Exploration of Connection, Engagement, and Belonging in Environmental Education.
Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Addressing environmental challenges—such as global warming, climate change, and environmental justice—requires diverse perspectives and active participation across multicultural communities. Despite this, environmental organizations often struggle to attract and retain a diverse and engaged membership base. This study examined the challenges faced by the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators (PAEE) in engaging its members and addressing declining participation. Guided by my theory of improvement aimed at understanding a sense of belonging among members, the study employed a mixed-methods approach, including semi-structured interviews with eight participants and a survey of 341 members, yielding a 24% response rate. Findings revealed that members valued connection and communication through in-person events but identified a need for targeted outreach to specific groups, such as formal educators and young people. The study highlights the importance of cultivating a sense of belonging to enhance meaningful engagement, build stronger community connections, and increase membership participation and retention. These insights provide a framework for environmental educational organizations to build inclusive and active networks.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
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| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
| Creators | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Jaiswal, Sonia Devyani | sdj32@pitt.edu | sdj32 | |
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| ETD Committee: |
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| Date: |
8 January 2025 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Defense Date: |
19 November 2024 |
| Approval Date: |
8 January 2025 |
| Submission Date: |
11 December 2024 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
96 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Education > Instruction and Learning |
| Degree: |
EdD - Doctor of Education |
| Thesis Type: |
Doctoral Dissertation |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
connection, engagement, belonging, environmental education |
| Date Deposited: |
08 Jan 2025 19:29 |
| Last Modified: |
08 Jan 2025 19:29 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/47233 |
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