In this first lesson we will use supporting literature, case studies, and questions to explore what makes MWEEs a powerful educational framework.
While MWEEs can affect a broad array of outcomes—everything from student health to career awareness—there are four outcomes that stand out as important and timely for the education and environmental fields:
- MWEEs positively affect Student Achievement because they are anchored to curriculum standards and support formal goals for learning, which are important drivers for teachers and administrators.
- MWEEs engage students in real-world experiences that support the development of skills related to life and career; learning and innovation; and information, media, and technology while learning key subjects. Thus, students exercise 21st Century Skills by having the opportunity to think critically, solve problems, employ analytical and higher-order thinking skills, and communicate effectively.
- Participating in Environmental Stewardship and Civic Responsibility is an essential component of getting students actively involved in their learning and understanding of local environmental issues and seeing their role in solutions.
- Conducting hands-on field investigations and meaningful action related to real issues in their communities fully Engages Students as active learners in a context that is relevant to both their learning and their lives.