Leming believes that society can’t just allow ethics to develop, but must encourage them. “Character develops within a social web or environment. The nature of that environment, the messages it sends to

individuals, and the behaviors it encourages and discourages are important factors to consider in character

education.

Clear rules of conduct, [personal] ownership of those rules, a supportive environment, and satisfaction resulting from complying with the norms of the environment [are what] shape behavior.” Leming stresses

that people must not only get good social rewards for doing the right thing, but they must never get negative social feedback for a desired action.

This emphasis on positive reinforcement is also stressed in the six critical educational components identified by Hungerford and Volk (1990). Research shows that behavioral changes can be maximized when environmental education includes these attributes:

1. Teach significant ethical concepts, and make clear the learner’s relationship and obligation to them.

2. Provide carefully designed and in-depth opportunities for learners to develop an ethical sensitivity to the environment, to the outdoor activity they’re involved with, and to each other. This promotes a desire to behave

appropriately.

3. Provide a curriculum that teaches learners the critical thinking skills they need to analyze issues and investigate ethical problems. Provide the time to apply these skills.

4. Provide a curriculum that will teach learners the citizenship (stewardship) and interpersonal skills they need to address and resolve ethical issues. Provide the time to apply these skills.

5. Provide a learning setting which offers the learner consistent reinforcement for acting responsibly (thus allowing him to develop his own sense of ethics).

– J.S. Leming in “In search of effective character e