Strengths and Weaknesses of Teacher Environmental Education Preparation in Wisconsin

Abstract

In spring 1992, a survey was conducted to assess teachers' perceived competencies in, attitudes toward, and amount of class time devoted to teaching about the environment. One thousand five hundred forty-five randomly selected teachers were surveyed. The response rate was 59% (N=915). The survey included questions on whether or not teachers received training in environmental education (EE) and how teachers felt about their preparation in EE. Analysis of the results suggests that preparation in EE teaching methods contributes to teachers' perceived competencies in teaching about the environment. Overall, teachers were pleased with their EE courses; however, they were less pleased with the education they received in using affective methods and environmental action strategies to teach about the environment and related issues.