ERIC Number: EJ870319
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1533-015X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Sustainability in Journalism Education: Assessment of a Trial Module in New Zealand
Kolandai-Matchett, Komathi; Spellerberg, Ian; Buchan, Graeme D.; Early, Nick
Applied Environmental Education and Communication, v8 n3-4 p204-215 2009
News media reporting on sustainability and environmental (S&E) issues is seen as a form of informal environmental education. For journalists to play such an educative role, prior education on these topics appears necessary. By assessing a trial introductory-level journalism module on sustainability, this case study strengthens the argument for the inclusion of sustainability in journalism curricula as necessary for improving media coverage of related issues. A "one-group pre-experimental" evaluation illustrated immediate impacts of the module on students' understanding of sustainability and their interest in reporting related issues. Unintended impacts were their realization that sustainability was a topic that could be incorporated in various news areas, and their increased sensitivity to the need for enhanced media coverage of sustainability in order to enhance public awareness. In addition, a longer-term assessment showed the potential for impact on students' work outputs as journalists. However, our study also finds that only two institutions in New Zealand offer distinct journalism courses on S&E topics. This indicates the need for a restructuring of journalism curricula. This study provided insights into an important area for development in journalism education and identifies issues that may assist the development of future journalism courses on sustainability. (Contains 2 tables and 6 footnotes.)
Descriptors: Journalism Education, Environmental Education, Program Effectiveness, News Reporting, Foreign Countries, News Media, Sustainable Development, Learning Modules, Experimental Programs, Curriculum Enrichment, Program Evaluation, Portfolio Assessment
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Adult Education; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Zealand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A