Educational Potential Assessment of Geodiversity Sites: a Proposal and a Case Study in the Basque Country (Spain)

Informal education facilities help schools to engage in meaningful outdoor geology experiences, providing educational materials and a learning environment that meet rigorous scientific and educational standards. In some cases, these sites focus on the general public and do not share the same educative paradigm of schools. Likewise, due to the particular nature of Earth sciences, many geological processes can be difficult to explain with the usual interpretative resources. In this context, we consider whether the pedagogical potential of geological interpretation sites is being fully developed. This study proposes a methodology for assessing the educational value of geodiversity sites through the analysis of the educative resources and interpretative tools, including panels, guided tours and written guides. The method can be useful to evaluate facilities on an individual basis, but it also allows comparisons of different sites in a determined area or region. This methodology has been used in the assessment of interpretation centres in 11 areas of geological interest in the Basque Country (Spain). Results highlight some differences that emerge among the educative facilities and that should take into account by managers and educators, such as the lack of importance given to geology in contrast with other sciences in most exhibitions, or the absence of free-access educational materials useful for teachers in the preparation of their visits, among others.