Evaluation of a Climate Change Training Program for Local Government Employees

Author

Clara Kashar, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

Advisor

Roberta Schomburg

Committee Member

Karen D. Bowser

Keywords

andragogy, climate literacy, employee development, local government, program evaluation

Abstract

A local government in South Florida launched a training program to improve employee engagement on climate change using best practices in adult learning and climate communication to bridge the gap between climate science and action in government operations. The purpose of this program evaluation was to determine whether that climate change development and training program for local government employees met its stated goals and objectives. This evaluation blended a component of Stufflebeam’s Context, Input, Process, Product (CIPP) model with Kirpatrick’s Four Levels model. To conduct the evaluation, the researcher used a mixed methods approach for analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data. The research objective was to assess an increase in climate literacy, gather perspectives on the training program, and explore application of on-the-job use from employees who have completed the training program.

CIPP results indicated that the effectiveness of the training program was not altered by whether the training was internally or externally developed. Level 1 findings showed employee reactions to the training program were generally positive. Level 2 findings revealed that although learning occurred as a result of the training program the employees’ climate literacy score did not increase significantly. Level 3 and Level 4 results showed use of the climate knowledge and tools on the job and uncovered three necessary components for furtherance of employee action: ongoing engagement, enhancing tools, and building capacity through leadership. The findings of this study are being used to inform decision makers with the intent of improving the training program.

NSUWorks Citation

Clara Kashar. 2018. Evaluation of a Climate Change Training Program for Local Government Employees. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. (236)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fse_etd/236.