ERIC Number: EJ1090162
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 24
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1350-4622
EISSN: N/A
The Development and Validation of an Alternative Assessment to Measure Changes in Understanding of the Longleaf Pine Ecosystem
Dentzau, Michael W.; Martínez, Alejandro José Gallard
Environmental Education Research, v22 n1 p129-152 2016
A drawing assessment to gauge changes in fourth grade students' understanding of the essential components of the longleaf pine ecosystem was developed to support an out-of-school environmental education program. Pre- and post-attendance drawings were scored with a rubric that was determined to have content validity and reliability among users. In the specific context of this intervention, the assessment documented significant growth in the understanding of the essential components, processes, flora and fauna of the ecosystem. This assessment found no significant differential advantage with respect to gender or dominance status of the students and is offered as an alternative to traditional assessments that favor select groups. Extensions of this framework to other ecosystems, and implications for in-service/pre-service educators and science proficiency, are discussed.
Descriptors: Grade 4, Elementary School Students, Environmental Education, Ecology, Forestry, Pretests Posttests, Freehand Drawing, Evaluation Methods, Scoring Rubrics, Test Validity
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 4; Intermediate Grades; Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A