Influences on the Use of the Fishing: Get in the Habitat! MinnAqua Leader's Guide and Implications for Curriculum Dissemination

Abstract

The Fishing: Get in the Habitat! MinnAqua Leader's Guide is a curriculum created by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for educators working primarily with children in grades three through five in formal and nonformal education settings. Like many agency-developed supplemental educational resources, the Leader's Guide is available through workshops and by mail. An evaluation was conducted on influences on curriculum use to inform future dissemination efforts, with the goal of maximizing use. Recommendations for MinnAqua and implications for environmental education are discussed.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This evaluation was funded by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The author gratefully acknowledges the assistance of MinnAqua staff, and in particular Jenifer Matthees, as well as the Minnesota educators and their students who participated in the evaluation. The author acknowledges the assistance of Dr. Martha Monroe who provided insightful comments and assistance in writing this article.

Notes

^a 1 = Very ineffective; 2 = Ineffective; 3 = Somewhat effective; 4 = Effective; and 5 = Very effective.

^a 1 = Very ineffective; 2 = Ineffective; 3 = Somewhat effective; 4 = Effective; and 5 = Very effective.