REFLECTIONS ON RESEARCH PROCESS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION.

This paper presents some reflections about the research process in environmental education, driven by a look back on my own master′s degree work. The paper is divided in three main themes that I consider fundamental in this discussion: the choice of the theoretical background, the methodological procedures and ethical aspects. Regarding the choice of the theoretical background I discuss the need for research′s internal coherence and the possibility of constructing bridges between different paradigms or theories. Subsequently I approach the difficulties related to categorizations, classifications and systematizations, which are common procedures in environmental education research and I suggest a way to remedy these difficulties by working with the Critical Communicative Methodology. Moreover, I reflect on a perceived incoherence in my research: the fact that I have not dialogued with the environmental educators that were involved in the context I studied, while at the same time advocating the need of dialogue and participation in their educative practice. Finally, I discuss the ethic aspects of the research and the great responsibility of the researchers work. Therefore, I argue that it must be based in a constant action-reflection attitude.