ERIC Number: EJ811967
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0095-8964
EISSN: N/A
What Difference Does It Make? Assessing Outcomes from Participation in a Residential Environmental Education Program
Stern, Marc J.; Powell, Robert B.; Ardoin, Nicole M.
Journal of Environmental Education, v39 n4 p31-43 Sum 2008
The authors explored the influences of 3- and 5-day residential environmental education programs at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (TN) on participants' connections with nature, environmental stewardship, interest in learning and discovery, and awareness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and biodiversity. The authors found significant positive, short-term effects on all outcomes of interest. Also, 3-month delayed posttests indicated retention of significant gains in environmental stewardship and awareness, whereas other gains faded. Longer stays and active engagement of visiting teachers in on-site instruction enhanced most outcomes. The authors discuss the influences of previsit preparation and group size on participants. (Contains 6 tables and 3 notes.)
Descriptors: Environmental Education, Parks, Biodiversity, Retention (Psychology), Residential Programs, Program Effectiveness, Student Interests, Conservation (Environment), Elementary School Students, Middle School Students, Consciousness Raising
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A