| Summary |
The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of short-term environmental education programs in North Carolina State Parks. Individual attitudes were the most effective way to assess a program participant's potential behavior change. The ultimate goal of these environmental education programs was to positively personal behaviors. A 20-item survey collected data for this study. Participants from the general public aged 18 years of age or older attending a short-term environmental education program were asked to complete the survey. Environment, society, and existing knowledge, three subscales of environmental education were the focus of these survey questions. Results from the data indicated that participants were ambivalent toward park programs. Responses did not strongly advocate for or against these short-term environmental education programs. Also, results showed environmental educators did not demonstrate to the audience specific methods for diminishing environmental issues discussed in these programs. Conclusions drawn from this study implied environmental educators needed to set concise environmental education goals and objectives. Findings from this study indicated a clear distinction between environmental and interpretative education should be made. Interpretative education showed similarities to environmental education. However, the overall goals to these two fields of education were shown to be separate. In addition, this study implied that environmental education might not be presented effectively in a short-term program format. |
| General note | Presented to the faculty of the Department of Mathematics and Science Education. |
| General note | Advisor: Elizabeth C. Doster |
| Dissertation note | M.A. Ed. East Carolina University 2002 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 45-47). |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
