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(Great Smoky Mountains) – All educators hope to make a difference when they teach, but thanks to a five-year study funded by a grant from the Alcoa Foundation, Teacher/Naturalists at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont can actually measure the difference they’ve made.
Drs. Marc J. Stern, Robert B. Powell, and Nicole M. Ardoin created the study, and worked with Tremont’s staff to implement the measurements and interpret the data. They surveyed 4th through 7th grade students before visits to Tremont, and again three months after they returned home. The survey covered topics including environmental stewardship and connection with nature, with researchers particularly interested in the effects of residential environmental education programs, where students stay on-site and participate in immersive 3- and 5- day programs.
Stern, Powell and Ardoin published their findings in The Journal of Environmental Education in the summer of 2008, in a report titled, “What Difference Does It Make? Assessing Outcomes From Participation in a Residential Environmental Education Program.” According to their report, “The results reflect the general success of residential [environmental education] programs at Tremont, particularly in short-term gains for attitudes, intentions, and awareness.”
The study showed that not only did a visit to Tremont strengthen students’ connection with nature, but that the connection remained strong three months after those students returned home. Students also exhibited an increased interest in, and better understanding of, science and the natural world.
Tremont’s programs also specifically emphasize the history and culture of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where the Institute is located. The study found that students’ awareness and understanding of the history and culture of the Park also remained increased at the three month mark.
According to Ken Voorhis, Tremont’s Executive Director, “Being located inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers us a unique opportunity to truly immerse students in environmental learning. It’s certainly gratifying to know that after three months back home with access to TV and the Internet, these students still think about things like water conservation and clean air.”
Further information on the study, as well as Stern, Powell and Ardoin’s report, can be found at www.gsmit.org/evaluation.
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