The Educational Philosophy of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies
Interdisciplinary Focus
Students and practitioners within the environmental field need to understand the complex context within which environmental decision-making takes place. This program will teach students to consider the ecological, cultural, moral and political context of environmental issues.
Group Work
Environmental leadership is most successful when teams of individuals join together, bringing various perspectives to bear. The program will encourage group papers and projects, as well as dialogue, in order to develop a cooperative learning approach to environmental work.
Sense of Place
Environmental issues need to be considered within their particular contexts. The specific matrix of considerations is unique to each situation, and only come into focus when studied accordingly. The context demands that we, as environmentalists, know and understand our particular context of a kibbutz in the Arava Desert, near the Gulf of Eilat/Aqaba.
Teaching
The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies is a teaching institute. While each lecturer is encouraged to pursue his or her own research agenda, the quality of the educational experience of students takes the highest priority.
Practical Work
Students learn from doing. The program places a strong emphasis on internships designed to deepen the students' knowledge of their particular specialization, while enlarging their understanding of the multi-disciplinary concerns that are brought to bear on their chosen field. By becoming reflective practitioners, students will gain the tools needed to be innovative environmental leaders.
Environment
The Institute is a place where environmental concerns are not only expressed, but implemented. Students and faculty are committed to making the Arava Institute a place which practices sound environmental values in its institutional workings. Furthermore, it is clear that the Arava Institute has a communal responsibility to foster sustainable development of the Arava region for its human and natural populations.
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