Abstract: The focus of this research was to determine methodologies in environmental education that would promote transformation in each student leading to improved personal pro-environmental behaviors. Incorporating spirituality and religious themes in environmental education is a way to link learners to their meaning systems. Research has shown that incorporation of a spiritual element in adult education provides a way for students to have authentic learning experiences and make meaning of the knowledge they acquire in the classroom. This mixed methods study examined the environmental attitudes, knowledge and actions of students in an introductory environmental science course at a community college. The quantitative date was collected from students in a survey of environmental attitudes, knowledge, and actions. Qualitative studies were conducted using a focus group to complement the quantitative data. Data collected was compared between the experimental group, which incorporated spiritual and religious activities, assignments, and presentations and the control group, which addressed the same environmental topics but without the infused activities. Environmental educators hope to increase knowledge and awareness about earth's environment and teach skills that lead to actions ensuring stewardship of all aspects of earth's environment. Infusion of spirituality and religious traditions in environmental education offers an alternative approach to presenting environmental information which encourages each learner to be transformed in their daily lives, living in a way that promotes environmental stewardship. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
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