Positive motivation to perform work tasks has been associated with better performance and outcomes in both the organizational and informal education literature. In environmental education (EE), this means that more motivated instructors are likely to provide better programs for their participants. In this exploratory study across 15 states in the…

Classroom teachers serve a critical role in developing environmentally literate citizens. In this study, the authors assessed K-8 preservice teachers' understanding of basic ecological concepts. Participants (N = 56) constructed concept maps describing the inter-relationships among 16 ecological concepts. The authors analyzed the concept maps to…

The authors sought to identify barriers to participation for Latino people at Dodge Nature Center (DNC) in West St. Paul, MN. The authors used a multi-method approach, which included collecting demographic information, surveying the DNC staff, and interviewing Latino community leaders and parents. Results showed that unfamiliarity with DNC,…

Northern Minnesota secondary teachers (N=55) were surveyed on their knowledge of a priority for selected water topics. Teachers' assessment of these topic areas provide: (1) a suggested structure for marine education; (2) the evaluation of existing curricula; and (3) needs analysis to determine areas of future curriculum development. (BC)

Presented are the results of a review of environmental education and interpretation literature related to special populations. Also included are the findings of a study which assessed the present environmental education and interpretive activities, offerings, needs, and problems encountered by special population agencies (N=46) and consumers…