Because of the fundamental importance of the Ocean with respect to the earth’s climate, the urgency of promoting ocean literacy and awareness world wide is a “no brainer” ! The recent publication of “Canada’s Changing Climate Report” is more than a wake up call. The report is a contribution to the National Assessment Canada in a Changing Climate: Advancing our Knowledge for Action. The recent publication by DFO entitled “Canada’s Ocean Now: Atlantic Ecosystems 2018” reinforces the above.
Yes, there are some significant local and national initiatives underway, for example:
- The Canadian Network of Ocean Education (CANOE) which is a network for the advancement of ocean literacy and provides a platform for learning, dialogue and communication about ocean literacy Some of BoFEP’s Ocean Literacy Committee are members;
- the Canadian Ocean Literacy Coalition (COLC) with its three identified priorities, namely,to build a national strategy: establish; to support an active ocean literacy research; and to amplify ocean literacy initiatives. COLC is currently looking for a postdoc candidate with community-based consultation and collaborative research experience to serve as the Atlantic Regional Coordinator.
- Ocean School is a joint joint initiative of Dalhousie University, under the auspices of the Ocean Frontier Institute and the National Film Board of Canada. It uses film, virtual reality, 360 videos, interactive games and augmented reality to engage youth and help establish a connection with the ocean. This ambitious program has been nominated for a Webby Award in online education.
However, in spite of these significant developments (and many others), I suggest that a major shortcoming has not been addressed, namely Teacher Education. Without a minimum understanding of the ocean sciences, both natural and social, the benefits to be derived from the above “tools” will not be
optimized. Hence, I suggest that the BoFEP Working group on Ocean Literacy should continue to focus on promoting the incorporation of ocean themes in all subjects of the school system. This can be achieved by providing a basic understanding of the ocean sciences within the B.Ed and M.Ed programs of the provinces relevant universities.
To this end, Kerri McPherson (an Oceans 11 teacher at C.P. Allen High School,with a Masters degree on ocean education from Dal.) and I visited Acadia University last August and discussed the need for some exposure to ocean sciences within the teacher training curricula. This was agreed, but the very full current program was considered to be a draw back. In spite of follow-up efforts this year, there has been no response from Acadia’s Education faculty. We have been advised to make similar overtures to Mount St. Vincent University. This will be done. Meanwhile, a comprehensive review of the wealth of ocean literacy documents and tools…… and its compilation into a teaching aid would be an excellent contribution to our Working Group’s mandate.
April 15, 2019
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