A methodology for assessing affective outcomes

This paper addresses an often-neglected dimension in university-level environmental studies (ES): assessment of affective outcomes of environment-related courses. How have student perspectives, feelings, or motivations changed as a result of their experience with a course? The paper describes an evaluation methodology for assessing such outcomes of ES courses. The methodology, designed to offer environmental educators a systematic, workable evaluating tool that may be tailored to their assessment needs; combines qualitative with quantitative approaches, featuring survey and opera-ended interviewing techniques. The methodology thus allows educators to consider outcomes for many students but provides flexibility to explore in depth the experiences of a smaller number. This paper describes the methodology and typical results of its administration, then focuses on how it may be adapted for different situations and objectives.