Developing and Implementing an Inservice Training Program in Environmental Education for Teachers of Grades 1-2 in the Wausau School District
File(s)
Date
1993-07Author
Marvel, Connie M.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Environmental Education (EE) in Wisconsin is a subject that
is mandated to be infused into existing curricular areas in a
school district's elementary education program. The Wausau
School District (WSD) provides EE resources and a resource guide
for it's schools; however, teachers did not receive adequate
inservice training in the use of these resources when they were
introduced in Fall 1991. This research project was designed to
help teachers more effectively use available EE resources.
A needs assessment survey was completed by WSD K-5 teachers
in February 1993, to provide guidelines in developing the
inservice. An inservice was then provided for teachers of
grades 1-2 on April 22, 1993 at the Wausau School Forest. The
inservice consisted of an overview of EE goals and objectives, a
review of the resource materials, and participation in activities
selected from each resource.
Teachers completed an inservice evaluation immediately
following the inservice, and again one month later. Evaluation
results indicated that the teachers valued participation in the
inservice activities, and were able to make better use of
resource materials in their classrooms following the inservice.
Results were used to develop recommendations for succeeding EE
inservicing of teachers of K, 3, 4, and 5 grade levels.