Understanding the development of pro-environmental behavioral intentions and behaviors remains one of the greatest challenges for environmental educators worldwide. Using the Elaboration Likelihood Model as a theoretical foundation, we developed surveys to evaluate the influence of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Junior Ranger program on…

Wildlife tourism experiences are often promoted for their ability to enhance visitors' conservation knowledge, attitudes and behaviour; yet, studies exploring the long-term influence of such experiences are rare. This research explores the impact of a wildlife tourism experience and post-visit support on families' adoption of conservation…

Marine wildlife tours can provide a range of education and conservation benefits for visitors, including emotional (i.e., affective) responses and learning (i.e., cognition). Interpretive programs cover the biology, ecology, and behavior of marine species; best practice guidelines; and human threats to marine areas. The author reviews the…

A visitor education strategy was developed, implemented, and tested for its effectiveness in raising levels of knowledge and attitudes toward state nature preserve management. Visitor sociodemographic and site-specific data were also collected and analyzed. Methodology, results, conclusions, and implications are reported. (Author/JN)

Three research studies examined the impact of environmental interpretation programs on the environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of student participants. Conducted by Indiana University's Department of Recreation and Park Administration, the studies evaluated variables related to entry level (awareness), ownership, and empowerment…

Examines the abilities of adult and youth naturalists to promote cognitive and affective changes in forest recreationists. Interpreters at campfire talks and trail hikes were successful in accomplishing stated objectives. Youth naturalists were as effective as adults on several, but not all, performance measures. Contains 21 references. (PVD)

Describes efforts to assess the effectiveness of high school-aged interpreters through the use of a field experiment and measures of audience response. Concludes that youth naturalists were not always as effective in delivering interpretive programs as are adults; however, data suggest that the efficacy of employing youth as interpreters is strong…

Compiled are 61 abstracts of master's theses in environmental education and communications. Three of the these were completed in 1978, 24 in 1977, 15 in 1976, and the remaining 19, prior to 1976. Abstracts are organized into six categories; (1) site analysis: descriptions and development plans for areas to be used for environmental education; (2)…

Compiled are 52 abstracts of recent master's, doctoral, and major project research in environmental education and communications. Most of the citations included describe work completed in the 1981-82 academic year, although a few abstracts of earlier work have also been included. Abstracts are organized into seven topic areas: (1) site analysis --…