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More than just a field trip . . .
In the past, environmental educators have struggled with finding ways to measure the impact of their programs. With the help of the Alcoa Foundation, Tremont has been able to institute a culture of evaluation and truly measure what we accomplish each day.
The following report – More Than Just A Field Trip - Connecting Students & Nature – identifies some of the compelling results from our evaluation study, which focused on the thousands of students who attend our residential school programs each year. Our results showed a significant increase in all of our measured indices.
“Students leave Tremont with an enhanced understanding of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a heightened interest in learning, a deeper feeling of connection with nature, and a greater willingness to act as good stewards of the environment.”
Download the study
The study was developed by Marc J. Stern, Robert B. Powell and Nicole M. Ardoin, who worked with Tremont's staff to devise and implement measurements. A report detailing this study was published in "The Journal of Environmental Education" in 2008, and can be downloaded below:
What Difference Does It Make?
Assessing Outcomes From Participation
The Journal of Environmental Education, vol. 39, no. 4, p. 31 - 43, Summer 2008.
Reprinted with permission of the Helen
Dwight Reid Educational Foundation.
Published by Heldref Publications, 1319 Eighteenth St.,
NW, Washington, DC 20036-1802. Copyright © 2008.
Tremont’s colleagues across the nation are now looking to us as leaders in developing an evaluation system that measures the impacts that our mission espouses – appreciation of the Smokies, celebration of diversity and fostering stewardship.
Other Resources
Summary of findings (pdf document)
Tremont Curriculum Evaluation Results slideshow(opens new window)
This project was made possible by funding from the ALCOA Foundation and in partnership with the National Park Service.
