Ecosystem Management The integration of ecological, economic and social principles to manage biological and physical systems in a manner that safeguards the long-term ecological integrity, natural diversity, and
productivity of the landscape. (Adapted from Bureau of Land Management)
Education Education is the process of developing an individuals’ knowledge, values and skills and encompasses both teaching and learning. (Adapted from Wikipedia)
Educational Philosophy The study of the purpose, process, history, nature and ideals of education. This can be within the context of education as a social institution or more broadly as the process of human existential
growth, i.e., how it is that our understanding of the world is continually transformed (be it from facts, social customs, experiences, or even our own emotions). (Adapted from Wikipedia)
Educational Theory An organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena of or relating to education. (Adapted from Wordnet.Princeton.edu)
Educator A person involved with the overall process or practice of facilitating learning. Educators often specialize in specific content areas or academic disciplines.
Edutainment (also educational entertainment or entertainment-education) A form of entertainment designed to educate as well as to amuse. Edutainment typically seeks to instruct or socialize its audience by embedding lessons in some familiar form of entertainment: television programs, computer and video games, films, music, websites, multimedia software, etc. Examples might be guided nature tours that entertain while educating participants on animal life and habitats, or a video game that teaches children conflict resolution skills.
Electronic Media Technologically delivered content.
Environmental Education A learning process that increases people’s knowledge and awareness about the environment and associated challenges, develops the necessary skills and expertise to address the challenges, and
fosters attitudes, motivations, and commitments to make informed decisions and take responsible action. (UNESCO, Tbilisi Declaration, 1978)
Environmental Media Anything that carries substances or transmits physical actions; i.e., sounds can be transmitted via air, water, and earth; pollen and seeds are commonly carried and distributed by wind, and/or physical
contact with other entities; pollution can be moved through air or water currents.
Exhibit An organized arrangement of text, graphics, and objects that communicate a message or theme. Outside exhibits are often called waysides and may include interpretive signs, kiosks, or other presentation methods developed for use in the outdoors.
Exhibit Design The process of conceiving an exhibit or other media to convey a message identified by a specific interpretive goal.
Exhibit Development The process by which exhibit designs becomes reality; i.e., fabrication or production.
Environmental Learning Center A facility where visitors can learn about natural and cultural resources and how they interact over time.
Evaluation (Front-End, Formative, Remedial, Summative) A judgment of worth or merit; an appraisal of value; the careful appraisal and study of something to determine its feasibility or effectiveness at meeting its goals and objectives. Evaluation is typically divided into four temporal stages:
i) Front- End
ii) Formative
iii) Remedial
iv) Summative
Evaluation Related Terms: Logic Model, Goals, Objectives, Outputs, Outcomes, Impacts, Visitor Studies
Experiential Education A philosophy and methodology, in which educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills and clarify values.
(Association for Experiential Education)
Experiential Learning The engagement in some activity, reflection upon the activity, critically derives some useful insight from the analysis, and incorporates the result through a change in understanding and/or behavior.
(Adapted from David A. Kolb, Experiential Learning: Experience as a Source of Learning and Development, 1984, 3-4)
Explainer A person who is knowledgeable about a resource and is skilled in teaching others about that resource.
Related Terms: Docent, Educator, Guide