An Evaluation of "Forests of the World," a Project Learning Tree Secondary Module

• Published in: Research in higher education journal 2013-04, Vol.19
• Main Authors: Ghent, Cynthia, Parmer, Giavanna, Haines, Sarah
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Course Descriptions; Environmental Education; Environmental Research; Familiarity; Forestry; Knowledge Level; Learning Modules; Likert Scales; Pretests Posttests; Program Effectiveness; Program Evaluation; Quasiexperimental Design; Questionnaires; Scientific Methodology; Secondary School Curriculum; Self Evaluation (Individuals); Service Learning; Statistical Analysis; Student Attitudes; Student Projects; Student Surveys; Thinking Skills
• ISSN: 1941-3432

This study sought to determine whether a secondary level curricular model based on enhancing knowledge and awareness of global forest issues would have an effect on students' self-perceived knowledge of forest issues, actual content knowledge of these issues, and pro-environmental attitudes. The study instrument is the secondary module "Global Connections: Forests of the World", a publication of the American Forest Foundation and part of its Project Learning Tree series of curricula. The module activities provide students with opportunities to apply scientific processes and higher order thinking skills while investigating world forestry issues and conducting service-learning action projects. Overall, the use of Forests of the World as a curriculum to teach about forest issues seems to be effective in increasing student attitudes and self-assessed knowledge about forests. There is some indication that the curriculum increases content knowledge as well.