Experiential Education for Urban African Americans

Current thinking advocates environmental learning experiences beyond simply awareness of issues affecting the environment. The focus now is on the encouragement of active learner participation in the resolution of authentic environmental problems. This makes environmental education an application of experiential education. Research indicates that the primary environmental concern of the urban African American community is the inequitable siting of toxic facilities in urban African American neighborhoods. A new conception of experiential education which addresses the environmental attitudes and concerns of urban African Americans is proposed for inclusion in teacher education programs preparing practitioners for work in schools. An issue investigation and action approach is illustrated in a case study.