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10 A Cl o s e r Lo o k a t Sp e c i f i c In d e x e s 3-Day Programs vs. 5-Day Programs While exploring our data, we noticed interesting trends emerged when comparing the data from our 3-day and 5-day school programs. 70% of the students who attend Tremont programs come for a 3-day experience. Students participating in 5-day programs showed significantly higher gains in environmental stewardship, interest in discovery, and awareness when compared with those students who attended a 3-day program. Those students who participate in a 5-day program have increased exposure to the natural wonders of GSMNP. Through All-Day Hikes, trips outside our valley to various park ecosystems— from high country trips to excursions in Cades Cove, and participation in a greater number of research projects being conducted throughout the park. While the positive impact of a 3-day program is undeniable, the increases seen in the indexes for the students that participate in the 5-day program are significantly greater, underlining the potential importance of longer experiences in the park. Guess what. When I got home yesterday, I told my little brother all about you, because he is going to go in 2 more years to Tremont. He said, “I can’t wait to go to Tremont!” —Virginia A., Walland Elementary School, TN 3-Day Programs vs. 5-Day Programs for the 2006-2007 School Year 20 15 3-day 5-day Percentages 10 5 0 Stewardship Discovery Awareness Indexes Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont | www.gsmit.org
S ignificant In d e x e s t o No t e 11 And three months later... One of the most significant features of our evaluation process is the three-month survey. This allows us to follow up with the students after several months away from Tremont, to measure changes is their attitudes and perceptions. The results are very exciting! Previous studies evaluating the effectiveness of EE programs show inconclusive results regarding retention of attitudes and knowledge after a period of time. However, Tremont’s study Percentages Percentages 100 80 60 40 100 80 60 3-Month Post-Survey Results for the 2006-2007 School Year Natural places help keep the air clean. I talk to my friends and family about the environment. Indexes I feel comfortable in the outdoors. 3-Month Post-Survey Results for the 2006-2007 School Year shows that many of our indexes and individual questions remain significantly higher. Three-month follow-up surveys reveal that increases in students’ commitment to environmental stewardship, as well as knowledge and awareness Before 3-Months Later Before 3-Months Later of GSMNP and biological diversity remain significantly higher. Students continue to express significantly increased levels of comfort in the outdoors, as well as a higher level of attention to plants and animals in the surrounding environment. Results Show... Three months later, students retained knowledge of the diversity of plants and animals in GSMNP and the cultural history of the area. Students continued to show increases in their willingness to conserve resources (not wasting food, water, or electricity). 40 Stewardship Awareness Indexes Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont | www.gsmit.org
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