Identifying indicators of behavior change: insights from wildfire education programs

Martha C. Monroe; Shruti Agrawal; Pamela J. Jakes; Linda E. Kruger; Kristen C. Nelson; Victoria Sturtevant

doi:10.1080/00958964.2012.746277

Treesearch

Identifying indicators of behavior change: insights from wildfire education programs

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Martha C. Monroe, Shruti Agrawal, Pamela J. Jakes, Linda E. Kruger, Kristen C. Nelson, Victoria Sturtevant

Year:

2013

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Northern Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1080/00958964.2012.746277

Source:

The Journal of Environmental Education. 44(3): 180-194

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Download (PDF 97 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/43996.pdf

Abstract

Environmental educators are challenged to document behavior changes, because change rarely depends solely on outcomes of education programs, but on many factors. An analysis of 15 communities in the United States that have increased their preparedness for wildfire allowed us to explore how education programs encouraged individual and community change. Agency-sponsored adult educational programs helped communities change their philosophy about firefighting, pass ordinances that restrict individual property rights, and empower residents to reduce their wildfire risk. This article explores several outcomes of these programs and offers suggested indicators of change that might be useful for education program evaluation.

Keywords

adult education, behavior change, indicators, program evaluation, wildfire

Citation

Monroe, Martha C.; Agrawal, Shruti; Jakes, Pamela J.; Kruger, Linda E.; Nelson, Kristen C.; Sturtevant, Victoria. 2013. Identifying indicators of behavior change: insights from wildfire education programs. The Journal of Environmental Education. 44(3): 180-194.