August 2014 Survey Results Anna Patel (LEEF membership intern) surveyed LEEF members to find out, what motivates and hinders them as well as what support they need from LEEF. A 5th of LEEFers took part (53 of 286 members) and it gives us an interesting insight into some of the best environmental educators in London. LEEFers work in environmental and sustainability education due to their love of nature, passion for sustainability and a wish to inspire people. This is a difficult time for environmental educators and there is deep concern about the decreasing amount of funding and resources available as well as the general lack of understanding of the value of the topics they teach. Although many LEEFers would like to continue working within the sector some feel is not financially viable and others think that it will only be possible outside of London due to the high costs living (particularly housing) and limited job opportunities within the city. LEEFers appreciate the support LEEF provides though they would like more social events and training, for example in the new National Curriculum. In addition to the work we already do we have identified the need for career advice and more free resources and training. The most popular times for LEEF events are weekday evenings, during term time and avoiding school holidays. These responses hint at a wider problem that organisations are reluctant to invest time or money into the development of environmental educators and that many are freelance or on short term contracts and that there is no clear career path available.
Response percentage (%)
What draws you to being an environmental educator?
45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Love/Passion for Nature
Working with children/inspring next generation
Both
Below are some of the answers given; “Love of the outdoors and the natural world” “Wanting a job that is important and has meaning – to be able to contribute to a child’s understanding of the environment” “Spreading the word to preserve and enhance our planet’s diversity” “Recognition of the urgency and importance of environmental challenges, and knowing that education is the way I can best engage and create change” “Enjoying being outside - helping others to doing the same and connecting with what's around them”
What do you feel are the current challenges for you as an environmental educator? The greatest challenge for LEEFers is money (40%) both for the funding and resources for their work and being able to cover their own cost of living epically housing. Despite all their good work a general misunderstanding of nature, sustainability and the environment (17%) comes second, showing we have a lot of work to do. However, despite these challenges many LEEFers are dedicated to the sector because of their passion and belief in the importance of their work.
In the long term, are you planning a career in environmental education in London? What obstacles do you foresee in the future (either for you personally or for environmental education in general)? Most LEEFers wish to stay in London and continue in the sector though they are concerned about the lack of career progression. For those planning to leave London and/or the sector the principle reasons are lack of money and secure jobs. “London is the perfect place to inspire children, who regularly do not come in contact with nature” “Jobs in London are few and far between!” “Yes, but we do need more access to targeted training and capacity building”
Response Percentage (%)
Which training would help you improve as an environmental educator? 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 National Curriculum
First Aid
Wildlife Teenagers Children with Identification challenging behaviour
Other
Understanding the new National Curriculum is currently the most important training request. LEEFers specified needing to understand the recent changes and new activities linking to it. Wildlife ID is also very popular closely followed by children with challenging behaviour and teenagers. ‘Other’ includes creative ideas, evaluation, field skills and marketing.
What other support would you like from LEEF? How do you find out about LEEF events?
Response Percentage (%)
40 30 20 10 0 LEEF Website
Yahoo Group
Project Personal Dirt email
Other
Many LEEFers are content with the support provided by LEEF and the positive feedback shows that our work is appreciated. Isolation is an on-going challenge for LEEFers and additional support needed with career guidance, resources and free training. There is though a good understanding of LEEF’s limitations demonstrated by comments like “I would like more help with jobs but I feel the sector is characterised by funding cuts that it a challenge beyond one organisation.” Despite using Facebook, Twitter, Project dirt etc., the coordinator's emails are still the favoured way of finding out about LEEF activities. The LEEF website is used so updating it when funding allows is a priority. ‘Other’ was mainly correspondence through work colleagues, meaning we reach more educators than our 286 members. An achievable request was made that LEEF yahoo group became more chatty; “LEEF mailing list is used mainly for job adverts which is good, but it would be great if more people utilised it and it was used as a discussion forum like "BIGchat" or "zoo biology"”
When are you most available to attend LEEF events? Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Public Holidays
4.53 6.30 7.05
4.03 4.03 7.05
2.77 3.53 6.80
4.79 4.79 7.81
3.53 4.28 6.05
2.52 5.04 1.51
2.52 4.53 1.76
1.26 2.52 1.01
Mornings Afternoons Evenings
Table 1: Key Most Popular (%) Average choice (&) Least Popular (%)
Response Percentage (%)
100 80 60 40 20 0 Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
LEEFers are more likely to attend events in the evening indicating that they are attending training in their own time rather than being supported by their employers. School holidays are not popular as many LEEFers work during the school term and have child care commitments. Winter months are most popular for training and development and we hope that is because in the summer LEEFers are outside doing the work they love; inspiring and encouraging Londoners to engage in sustainability and the environment.