Social ecology as education

Abstract

This chapter presents the historical and foundational elements of social ecology as it relates to physical and health education, outdoor and environmental education. Four foundational concepts central to the socio-ecological educator are introduced, namely: (a) lived experience, (b) place, (c) experiential pedagogies and (d) agency and participation. While socio-ecological models exist in diverse disciplines, our purpose is to introduce readers to an interdisciplinary philosophy and pedagogical approach that specifically considers the potential of social ecology to education. In doing so we acknowledge that a social ecology for education exists across multiple levels, embracing a broad array of social, cultural, environmental and geographical influences that shape individuals, identities, family, policies and the environment.