title: Ecological literacy and beyond: Problem-based learning for future professionals.
abstract: Ecological science contributes to solving a broad range of environmental problems. However, lack of ecological literacy in practice often limits application of this knowledge. In this paper, we highlight a critical but often overlooked demand on ecological literacy: to enable professionals of various careers to apply scientific knowledge when faced with environmental problems. Current university courses on ecology often fail to persuade students that ecological science provides important tools for environmental problem solving. We propose problem-based learning to improve the understanding of ecological science and its usefulness for real-world environmental issues that professionals in careers as diverse as engineering, public health, architecture, social sciences, or management will address. Courses should set clear learning objectives for cognitive skills they expect students to acquire. Thus, professionals in different fields will be enabled to improve environmental decision-making processes and to participate effectively in multidisciplinary work groups charged with tackling environmental issues.
authors: Departamento de Biologia Animal, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, 13083-970, Brazil, thomasl@unicamp.br.
authors: Thomas M
authors: TM
authors: Lewinsohn
authors: José Luiz
authors: JL
authors: Attayde
authors: Carlos Roberto
authors: CR
authors: Fonseca
authors: Gislene
authors: G
authors: Ganade
authors: Leonardo Ré
authors: LR
authors: Jorge
authors: Johannes
authors: J
authors: Kollmann
authors: Gerhard E
authors: GE
authors: Overbeck
authors: Paulo Inácio
authors: PI
authors: Prado
authors: Valério D
authors: VD
authors: Pillar
authors: Daniela
authors: D
authors: Popp
authors: Pedro L B
authors: PL
authors: da Rocha
authors: Wesley Rodrigues
authors: WR
authors: Silva
authors: Annette
authors: A
authors: Spiekermann
authors: Wolfgang W
authors: WW
authors: Weisser
mesh_terms: D004463:Ecology / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D011340:Problem Solving; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*