Teaching large groups (100+) present very considerable resource challenges in situations where the resource base is either stagnant or declining. As a result, alternative ways are needed which can provide an adequate resource base for students, which allows equitable access to resource materials and encourages active student participation in the learning process.

A learning strategy has been developed for an Environmental Issues modular course over the past five years which allows a high degree of self-resourcing. For example, we use a contemporary audit of mass media, usually undertaken during a one or two week period, to evaluate relationships between 'scientific' and 'public' awareness of environmental problems. This is aimed at (a) evaluating the role of mass media in environmental education and (b) examining obstacles to environmental awareness, which may be either self-imposed or imposed by a range of externalities. Seminars are used to maintain a high level of contact with staff who deliver the programme and to chart progress in the learning process.

Relevant References:

• Anderson, A. (1994), The source-media relations: the production of the environmental agenda. In: Hansen, A. (ed.), The mass media and environmental issues. Leicester University Press, Leicester, 51-68.
• Cottle, S. (1994), Mediating the environment: modalities of TV news. In: Hansen, A. (ed.), The mass media and environmental issues. Leicester University Press, Leicester, 107-133.
• Cracknell, J. (1994), Issue arenas, pressure groups and environmental agendas. In: Hansen, A. (ed.), The mass media and environmental issues. Leicester University Press, Leicester, 3-21.
• Dunwoody, S. and Griffin, R.J. (1994), Journalistic strategies for reporting long-term environmental issues: a case study of three Superfund sites. In: Hansen, A. (ed.), The mass media and environmental issues. Leicester University Press, Leicester, 22-50.
• Einsiedel, E. and Coughlan, E., (1994), The Canadian Press and the environment: reconstructing a social reality. In: Hansen, A. (ed.), The mass media and environmental issues. Leicester University Press, Leicester, 134-149.
• Hansen, A., (1994), Greenpeace and press coverage of environmental issues. In: Hansen, A. (ed.), The mass media and environmental issues. Leicester University Press, Leicester, 150-178.

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