Exploring the Links between Teaching Approaches and Student Outcomes at a Residential Setting

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Exploring the Links between Teaching Approaches and Student Outcomes at a Residential Setting
Language: English
Authors: Frensley, B. Troy (ORCID 0000-0002-4670-5503), Stern, M. J. (ORCID 0000-0002-0294-8941), Powell, R. B. (ORCID 0000-0003-2775-2571), Blackwell, M. J.
Source: Environmental Education Research. 2022 28(6):826-844.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools
Middle Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: Teaching Methods, Outcomes of Education, Environmental Education, Residential Programs, Instructional Effectiveness, Best Practices, Middle School Students
Geographic Terms: Maryland
DOI: 10.1080/13504622.2022.2044454
ISSN: 1350-4622
1469-5871
Abstract: In this case study, we used a mixed-methods approach to identify the characteristics of environmental education (EE) lessons most positively associated with students' environmental literacy outcomes at one residential EE center in the U.S. Students attending residential EE programs spend multiple days participating in numerous lessons, activities, and experiences, resulting in perhaps more opportunities to enhance students' knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behavioral intentions related to environmental literacy. To explore what teaching approaches were most effective at enhancing immediate student outcomes and to provide insights for practitioners, we observed 80 lessons, tracked 20 observable teaching approaches, and administered questionnaires to measure students' self-reported changes in environmental literacy outcomes. Correlation analyses revealed four variables related to enhanced student outcomes: affective messaging, environmental issue-focus, relevance, and effective time management. Two variables, fact-based teaching and data collection, were negatively correlated with student outcomes. Linear regression analysis with these six variables resulted in a model explaining 34% of the variance in the environmental literacy outcome. We discuss these findings and share examples of each practice from our qualitative observations. We also discuss broader applications of our mixed methods approach for the field.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1348916
Database: ERIC
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Description
Abstract:In this case study, we used a mixed-methods approach to identify the characteristics of environmental education (EE) lessons most positively associated with students' environmental literacy outcomes at one residential EE center in the U.S. Students attending residential EE programs spend multiple days participating in numerous lessons, activities, and experiences, resulting in perhaps more opportunities to enhance students' knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behavioral intentions related to environmental literacy. To explore what teaching approaches were most effective at enhancing immediate student outcomes and to provide insights for practitioners, we observed 80 lessons, tracked 20 observable teaching approaches, and administered questionnaires to measure students' self-reported changes in environmental literacy outcomes. Correlation analyses revealed four variables related to enhanced student outcomes: affective messaging, environmental issue-focus, relevance, and effective time management. Two variables, fact-based teaching and data collection, were negatively correlated with student outcomes. Linear regression analysis with these six variables resulted in a model explaining 34% of the variance in the environmental literacy outcome. We discuss these findings and share examples of each practice from our qualitative observations. We also discuss broader applications of our mixed methods approach for the field.
ISSN:1350-4622
1469-5871
DOI:10.1080/13504622.2022.2044454