Identifying Indicators of Behavior Change: Insights From Wildfire Education Programs |
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| Authors: | Martha C Monroe Shruti Agrawal Pamela J Jakes Linda E Kruger Kristen C Nelson Victoria Sturtevant |
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| Institution: | 1. University of Florida , Gainesville , Florida , USA;2. U.S. Forest Service , St. Paul , Minnesota , USA;3. U.S. Forest Service , Juneau , Alaska , USA;4. University of Minnesota , St. Paul , Minnesota , USA;5. Southern Oregon University , Ashland , Oregon , USA |
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| 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. |
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| Keywords: | adult education behavior change indicators program evaluation wildfire |
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