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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Teaching landscape ecology: the importance of field-oriented, inquiry-based approaches

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Author(s):
Almeida-Gomes, Mauricio [1] ; Prevedello, Jayme Augusto [2, 3] ; Scarpa, Daniela Lopes [4] ; Metzger, Jean Paul [2]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Rio de Janeiro, Dept Ecol, Lab Vertebrates, Ave Carlos Chagas Filho 373, Cidade Univ, BR-21941902 Rio De Janeiro, RJ - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Ecol, Lab Landscape Ecol & Conservat, Rua Matao, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Estado Rio De Janeiro, Landscape Ecol Lab, BR-20550900 Rio De Janeiro, RJ - Brazil
[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Ecol, Lab Inquiry Based Biol Educ, Rua Matao 101, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY; v. 31, n. 5, p. 929-937, JUN 2016.
Web of Science Citations: 1
Abstract

Context Landscape ecology has traditionally been taught through theoretical classes or computer labs. On the other hand, field labs have been generally less used as a way of teaching landscape ecology concepts. Objectives We show that field labs with an inquiry-based approach, where students are involved in the investigation, are feasible for training students in landscape ecology. We evaluated how common field labs are in landscape ecology courses, and also their contribution for student learning. Methods We evaluated whether field labs are used in landscape ecology courses by scanning available syllabi. We also used outcomes from a course offered in Brazil to show how field labs can be integrated into landscape ecology courses. Results Only 18.2 % of the 44 syllabi we found had field labs. The case study developed in Brazil showed that field labs allowed students to develop important skills, including the ability to design field studies, choose appropriate scales of analysis, detect ecological patterns, and judge multiple hypotheses. Conclusions Field labs are still uncommon in landscape ecology courses, but they can be a useful tool to teach landscape ecology concepts and to help students developing the necessary skills to do research. We offer recommendations regarding how to incorporate field labs in landscape ecology courses. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/03457-1 - Geometric effects in fragmented landscapes: a new approach for Landscape Ecology research
Grantee:Jayme Augusto Prevedello
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral