Petting bees or building bee boxes? Strategies for transformative learning

This paper presents findings from a research study exploring the effectiveness of three environmental education programs. The first was an interpretive program where visitors learned to safely interact with and 'pet' bees (control group), the second was the same interpretive program with the addition of post-visit action resources (interactive treatment group), and the third was a contributory citizen science bee box building project (citizen science treatment group). Using personal meaning maps, interviews, and participatory observations we explored learning outcomes in relation to Transformative Learning Theory. This study found that the interpretive program facilitated a more complex learning experience across all transformative learning domains. The participants who engaged in a contributory citizen science bee box project demonstrated a narrower, albeit more focused learning experience where their knowledge increased specifically in relation to understanding the issues native bees face and actions related to native bee conservation. These findings have important implications for experiential learning where action outcomes and transformative learning are interrelated goals.