Intergenerational Influence in Environmental Education: A Quantitative Analysis

Abstract

AbstractThe process of intergenerational influence has important implications for environmental educators who wish to promote discussion about and action for the environment beyond the bounds of the school classroom. This paper examines the process of intergenerational influence in environmental education through a quantitative analysis of the factors influencing the frequency and nature of intergenerational discussion. The relationships among eight sets of variables are explored, including student and parent environmental orientation, the quality of family communication, program features, student enjoyment of the program, student learning through the program, and the frequency and nature of discussion of the program. The findings are discussed both in terms of their implications for environmental educators and for future research in the field.