"Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks" : A Needs Assessment of Adult Environmental Education in Wisconsin

Abstract

For those of us who are involved in environmental education, there is an obvious weakness in the area of adult environmental education. Programs for children in environmental education outnumber those for adults ten to one. Yet adult environmental education is vital. Many of the problems and issues we face concerning our environment cannot wait twenty years, or even ten years. They must be addressed now, by environmentally literate citizens. Adults are the parents, the teachers, the lawyers, foresters, engineers, activists, consumers, and policy makers that can make a difference today. This needs assessment was conducted at the request of the Environmental Resources Center of University of Wisconsin-Extension. The purpose of the needs assessment was two-fold: First, to determine the extent of adult environmental education programming taking place in Wisconsin. Also, to provide Extension with information needed to better serve those organizations involved in adult environmental education, in the coming years. Elaine Andrews of the Environmental Resources Center provided a comprehensive list of Wisconsin organizations which have adult education programs. Other non-profit organizations in Wisconsin were added. The population of those involved in adult environmental education was divided into seven categories: environmental centers, nature centers, state parks, Audubon chapters, state-wide environmental organizations, UW-Extension's Community, Natural Resource, and Economic Development agents, and UWExtension's specialists. A pilot questionnaire was mailed in June of 1986 to 25 organizations, a few from each category. The recipients were asked to fill out the questionnaire, and to add their comments and suggestions. Using these recommendations and those of graduate committee menbers, a final questionnaire was developed and mailed to the entire population of adult environmental educators (that UW-Extension knew of) in March, 1987. Results of the assessment showed that Wisconsin organizations and agencies were coordinating over 2,500 environmental education programs for adults each year. Most programs are offered to the general public. The majority of the respondents have found their own newsletters and the UW-Extension catalog to be the most successful means of publicizing their programs. An updated mailing list of participating recipients (including their name, position, address, and phone number), was provided to all respondents to help these organizations form a closer network. A copy of the findings from the study was also sent to respondents. Findings and recommendations were provided to the Environmental Resources Center of UW-Extension. UW-Extension has used the study to realize the need for new or expanded services like an extensive catalogue, a quarterly newsletter, a speakers bureau list, and a biannual conference. This thesis can also serve as a resource for extension services in other states. Our goals are the same: to bring quality and energy to adult environmental education.