Term

Summer 2017

Capstone

Thesis

Degree Name

MAED: NSEE

Primary Advisor/Dissertation Chair

Dr. Jean Strait

Secondary Advisor/Reader One

Jen Heineman

Peer-Reviewer/Reader Two

Claire Opsahl

Abstract

This study addressed the question: how does an environmental based servicelearning project in an non-science classroom affect student's values and motivate them to be better stewards? The participants of this study were tenth grade AVID students in a suburban high school setting. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected, analyzed and compared to accurately measure student’s attitudes towards the environment. The quantitative data was collected using the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) Likert Scale Survey. The students were surveyed prior to their service-learning project and then again after the project's completion. Qualitative data was obtained through one-on-one interviews and a short writing prompt. The results of the study indicate that a servicelearning project in a non-science classroom can slightly increase students’ environmental attitude. More research is needed to measure if this change in attitude will motivate longterm environmental action. The results of the study also support the use of servicelearning projects as a way to expose students to new issues, connect them to their community, and teach them new skills.

Research Methodology

Case Study, Survey (attitude scale, opinion, questionnaire)

Keywords

Environmental Studies, Motivation, Teachers/ Teaching

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