Examining relationships between forestry learning and student background

Understanding how background characteristics of forestry students are related to forestry learning can help guide curriculum modifications to enhance learning potential. An increasing number of Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (SIUC) undergraduate forestry students are originating from small cities and larger urban areas. The purpose of this study is to characterize student background and outdoor experience as related to performance in aspects of the SIUC Forestry curriculum and student perspectives on forestry activities. A survey was conducted over two cohorts (n = 97) of Tree Identification Laboratory classes in 1999 and 2000 (a third cohort will be surveyed in Fall 2001). Demographic and experiential background variables were examined for relationships with student performance, learning preferences, and attitudes toward forestry-related terms. Ninety-eight percent of participating students were residents of Illinois. No student reported a parent employed in a natural resource management profession. Preliminary analysis indicates that while childhood residence was an unreliable predictor of course performance, both childhood residence and primary outdoor activity were related to attitude scores assigned to timber harvest. If outdoor experience is found to be positively related to performance, increased opportunity for field activities may be particularly important to the increasing number of students hailing from urban/suburban residences

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Constraints to Rock Climbing Participation in Southern Illinois

Abstract Rock climbing opportunities in rural southern Illinois have emerged on the national scene and are expected to grow in popularity. The present study collected and analyzed qualitative data from southern Illinois climbing enthusiasts about their perceived constraints to full participation in the sport. Twenty interviews, two focus groups, and four key informant interviews were conducted in 2009. Three themes emerged from the data reflecting aspects of legitimacy, environmental impacts, and interaction with other stakeholder groups. Participants attested to a strong sense of community and dedication to their activity, yet expressed concerns about climbing’s perceived lack of stature as a legitimate resource-based recreation activity among land managers and other stakeholders. Our findings suggest that local advocacy organizations, such as the Illinois Climbers Association, can play a pivotal role in promoting the constructive dialogue necessary for resolving issues and better integrating climbing into the mix of accepted outdoor recreation activities

Characterizing Undergraduate Forestry Majors at Southern Illinois University

A survey administered to undergraduate students (n=74; 94% response rate) enrolled in Forestry 100: “Introduction to Forestry” contained questions addressing student background, early life experiences, exposure to natural resources, and goals and aspirations as a student in forestry at Southern Illinois University (SIU). Information from this questionnaire represents the first stage of data collection in an ongoing study tracking students over the course of their academic careers. Data collection will culminate in a senior exit interview. The purpose of the first stage is to better understand social, environmental, and familial influences that motivate students to pursue careers in natural resources. Preliminary analysis of students’ understanding of public valuation of natural resources exhibits a normal distribution slightly skewed toward negative perceptions. Students’ understanding of the public’s view of forestry elicits a similar mixed response. The majority of students report no previous family ties to the department. Initial results suggest that youthful experiences with natural resources may have more bearing on career choice by SIU forestry students than a family legacy