Citizens, the environment and scientific literacy

This topical book examines the connections between theory and practice in citizenship learning. Focusing on the experiences and views of a range of citizens, many on the margins of society, the contributors explore the significance and impact of particular forms of educational policies and provision in peoples' lives and the role adult learning can play in the development of citizenship. Organised into three sections, the book provides a theoretical overview and a framework for understanding the links between learning and citizenship. This is followed by an exploration of the voices of different citizens as they seek to develop their lives and learning. The final section brings together theory and practice and identifies ten 'Propositions for Practice' in developing adult learning for citizenship, primarily in community contexts. This was the only science contribution in the book and provided a contrasting picture of adult learning and community-based practice by looking at learning in a community-based ecological experiment. Most writing about environmental issues in relation to Agenda 21 has concentrated on political rights, but here I focused on the key objectives of environmental responsibility and science literacy. Student voices, recorded during discussion sessions as part of the project, demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach.