Discusses the problem of dissemination of misinformation--either intentionally or innocently--while attempting to change environmental attitudes. Warns about unwillingness to engage in self-examination in ways that other professional fields do, and states that interpreters, in exchanging accuracy of information for persuasive power, risk losing…

Draws from perceptual and cognitive psychology to present a theoretical basis for the principles of interpretation developed by Freeman Tilden. Emphasized is cognitive map theory which holds that information units people receive, code and store are structured into cognitive models intended to represent the environment. (Author/WB)

Describes the Wilderness Ranger program of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Rangers patrol backcountry areas to provide information and education to hikers and campers, thereby helping to protect both the visitors and the wilderness resource. (Author/WB)

To handle controversial issues effectively, interpreters must do the following: (1) be well prepared with information regarding the site and different viewpoints on the subject; (2) be aware of possible visitor emotions related to the nature of the subject or their personal involvement; (3) use sensitivity in dealing with legends, reputations and…

Compiled are abstracts of recent master's and doctoral level work in environmental education and environmental communications. The document's objectives are: (1) to make recent research known to professionals and students; and (2) to indicate the current nature of graduate education in these fields. Included in the compilation are sections…

Examines the relationship between informal environmental interpretive experiences and formal environmental education. Similarities and differences are delineated and implications are drawn for the use of interpretive experiences in environmental education school curricula. The Informal Environmental Learning Checklist (IEL) is presented as a means…

Investigates minority involvement at Florida's nature centers. School programs at the nature centers are the primary method for reaching minorities and few of the programs involve minority adults. The focus of one-day visits for students is primarily nature awareness, placing little emphasis on influencing knowledge or attitudes about local…

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 31 abstracts of recent master's theses and doctoral dissertations in environmental education (EE) and communications. These abstracts are organized into seven categories: (1) site analysis (descriptions and development plans for areas to be used for EE); (2) parks and camps-users and interpreters (studies dealing with park and camp…

Compiled are 37 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 1982-83 academic year. Abstracts are organized into seven topic areas: (1) site analysis--descriptions and development plans for areas to be used for…

Compiled are 35 abstracts of recent master's and doctoral theses and major project research works in environmental education and communications. Most of the citations included describe work completed in the 1983-84 academic year. Abstracts are organized into seven topic areas: (1) site analysis--descriptions and development plans for areas to be…

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 --…