The Network of Conservation Educators and Practitioners (NCEP) is a global initiative of the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation at the American Museum of Natural History that seeks to develop the human capacity needed to sustain the Earth’s diversity. By targeting both university educators and conservation professionals, NCEP seeks to improve conservation practice worldwide by improving training in conservation.
What does NCEP do?
With our partners around the world, we:
- Develop open educational materials (called “modules”) on the conservation of biological and cultural diversity
- Advance teaching and learning in conservation
- Support conservation capacity building efforts at the local, regional, and global level
What are NCEP modules?
NCEP develops and disseminates open educational resources, or “modules,” which are available free of charge on our website (http://ncep.amnh.org). Modules are multi-component, peer-reviewed teaching materials on a wide range of conservation topics. They are designed to be easily adaptable and supportive of material teachers may have already developed on these topics. Each module includes several components: a Synthesis document that brings together key background information and references for a topic, an easily modified visual Presentation with notes and discussion questions, and at least one practical Exercise for laboratory or field use, with accompanying Solutions. In addition, interdisciplinary Case Studies highlight key concepts and questions that span the topics of more than one module.
NCEP modules can be used as an integrated package or as individual components in an à la carte menu. For instance, a professor might use several slides from a presentation, assign parts of the synthesis to students, use an in class-exercise, or combine all of these. Modeling the richly interconnected, interdisciplinary, and rapidly evolving nature of the field of conservation biology, the modules are intended to facilitate student participation and engender the application of critical thinking to conservation problems.
Click here to learn more about NCEP modules and to access our full range of module titles.
Who may use NCEP materials?
NCEP modules are resources for teachers and trainers. Individual educators at any location with Internet access may participate by simply downloading and using peer-reviewed NCEP teaching materials free of charge. We currently have over 140 titles in seven languages available for download. The range of topics covered means that NCEP modules may be suitable for use in a wide variety of courses in the biological and environmental sciences, as well as in social sciences and humanities courses with environmental content.
For a brief video tutorial on “Registering for NCEP Modules,” click on the following link: Registering for NCEP Modules
Where does NCEP work?
NCEP is designed to be a global community – individual educators at any location with Internet access may participate simply by downloading and using NCEP materials. In several countries, however, we have been able to pursue a more intensive approach, implementing diverse activities adapted to local contexts. NCEP has active projects in the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific (see “Where We Work” for more information).
Want more help or additional information?
We’d be happy to review your syllabus with you to see if NCEP materials might be a good fit for your teaching needs, or to answer questions about using the website, or anything else related to the project. Contact us at ncep@amnh.org.
Don’t forget to check out NCEP’s Facebook page! “Like” us on Facebook to follow NCEP’s latest news and updates: www.facebook.com/NCEPfan
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