The Development of an Instrument to Assess the Environmental Literacy of Fifth Grade Students in Wisconsin
File(s)
Date
1993-08Author
Quale, Anna M.
Publisher
University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, College of Natural Resources
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The purpose of this study was to develop a valid and reliable instrument
with which to assess the environmental literacy of fifth grade students in
Wisconsin.
Funding was provided by the Wisconsin Environmental Education Board.
An advisory panel was formed; its membership consisted of representatives
from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the Wisconsin
Department of Natural . Resources, the Wisconsin Education Association Council,
educational institutions, and a nature center. Components of environmental
literacy and the format of the instrument were determined by a review of
relevant literature. Multiple choice items were utilized for the cognitive
subtest and Likert-type items were utilized for the remaining subtests. A
search was made for existing instruments that met the needs of the current
study; however, none were found.
Existing items were adapted and new items written by the researcher
and reviewed by a validity panel of educators familiar with environmental
education and fifth grade students. Additionally, items were reviewed to detect
bias against females, blacks, Native Americans, and Hmong students. Four pilot
assessments were created and piloted on groups of 140 - 157 fifth grade
students. An item analysis was performed and the most effective items or those
that were determined to be well written and important to environmental
literacy were included in the final pilot assessment to be administered in the
spring of 1993.