#AGU14 Stanford researchers use a girl scout troop as guinea pigs for climate 'behavior change'

From the Stanford University press office:

AGU talk: Scaling climate change communication for behavior change

In a previous randomized controlled trial, Stanford University researchers developed two curricula for Girl Scouts to use energy more efficiently: one on energy use at home, and the other in transportation and food. Both courses were effective for girls in the short term, and the home energy course was effective for girls in the long term and for parents in the short term.

Subsequently, the Northern California Girl Scouts began disseminating the programs via manuals and reusable materials, but that method of disseminating the programs has not [led] to widespread use.

On Dec. 19, at 8:15 a.m. PT, Stanford researchers will describe deployment of the curricula to Girl Scout troop leaders via a massive open online course (MOOC). The talk will take place at the fall meeting of the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco, Moscone West, Room 3005.

The MOOC approach has several advantages:

  • Videos on teaching practice, behavior management techniques and the relevant social cognitive theory for troop leaders
  • Online discussion with other troop leaders
  • Feedback on teaching, use of components, mastery of curriculum and confidence
  • Downloadable videos, materials for activities, badges and completion certificates
  • Delivery of embedded social media, online mastery activities and quizzes for the girls
  • Self-paced learning for parents

The MOOC distribution of the Girls Learning Energy & Environment is itself a study, because it is new for the audience of Girl Scout troop leaders and primary target subjects of 10-13 year olds. The researchers have access to the MOOC experience, platform and analytical tools at Stanford. They are exploiting user testing and piloting to refine their MOOC.

The investigators will launch the first MOOC in northern California and use MOOC analytics to study its success. They will then launch the refined MOOC to Girl Scout troop leaders regionally or nationally. Overall, the project aims to simulate and advance in-person train-the-trainers technologies.

The AGU talk will be presented by the following Stanford researchers:

Victoria Christine Rodriguez, PhD candidate, education: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/victoria-rodriguez/66/276/40b

Nicole Ardoin, assistant professor, education: https://profiles.stanford.edu/nicole-ardoin

June Flora, senior research scientist, https://www.linkedin.com/pub/june-flora/9/b92/820

Tom Robinson, professor of pediatrics: https://profiles.stanford.edu/thomas-robinson

###

AGU abstract (GC51G-02): http://agu.confex.com/agu/fm14/meetingapp.cgi#Paper/27833

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garymount
December 19, 2014 5:19 pm

I’m looking for effective posters to put up at the coffee shops I visit. I have been printing out Monckton’s zero trend no global warming charts over the past few months, but I am considering creating a series of posters or pages with other content related to facts about our climate.comment image

Bruce Cobb
Reply to  garymount
December 20, 2014 1:22 pm

Here’s one I like:
http://wattsupwiththat.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/co2-temp-rss.png
CO2 is up. Climate yawns.

December 19, 2014 5:28 pm

“Delivery of embedded social media, online mastery activities and quizzes for the girls”
Another truckload of propaganda workbooks for the “re-education camp”.
There is a bigger problem here with parents who would send their girls off for such indoctrination. Shameful especially since all the solutions converge towards the cluster of socialism, statism, reduced liberty and fewer personal choices.
When they are done with this round of indoctrination, leftists plan on helping these young women explore their sexuality. At least that’s the net result of the Girl Scout’s relationship with Planned Parenthood.

u.k.(us)
December 19, 2014 8:14 pm

“Overall, the project aims to simulate and advance in-person train-the-trainers technologies.”
===========
Leaving alone that nonsensical statement…..I don’t even know where to go now.

RACookPE1978
Editor
Reply to  u.k.(us)
December 19, 2014 9:49 pm

u.k.(us)
“Overall, the project aims to simulate and advance in-person train-the-trainers technologies.”
===========
Leaving alone that nonsensical statement…..I don’t even know where to go now.

They want to create missionaries to the captive children for their religion.

u.k.(us)
Reply to  RACookPE1978
December 19, 2014 10:26 pm

And what better time to convert them, than when they are young and impressionable.
It’s child abuse (there I said it).

BruceC
December 19, 2014 8:38 pm

Isn’t Stanford’s GCEP (Global Climate & Energy Project) part sponsored by ExxonMobil & Schlumberger Limited?

John F. Hultquist
December 19, 2014 9:13 pm

Girl Scouts and the green image – this ought to help their reputation:
http://thelastdoctor.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Green-Tea-Chocolate-Chip-Cookie.jpg

u.k.(us)
Reply to  John F. Hultquist
December 19, 2014 9:24 pm

What reputation ?
Be careful now, they are being used.

Annie
Reply to  John F. Hultquist
December 20, 2014 4:16 am

It’s a Green Blob!

December 19, 2014 11:00 pm

This is sick.

Admad
December 20, 2014 1:41 am

So why target just the girls? Do they reckon boys are less gullible (institutionalised sexist groupthink)? The whole project smacks of desperation.

Non Nomen
Reply to  Admad
December 20, 2014 2:49 am

The same as in Germany at the last stage of WWII, when children and old men were called to arms. So don’t wonder if the inhabitants of old-age-homes are next on their list of people to indoctrinate.

Tim
December 20, 2014 4:25 am

Get them young and they’ll be yours forever.

December 20, 2014 8:27 am

Teaching energy conservation is fine, the rest is just s’more global warming propaganda…..

Alx
December 21, 2014 9:05 am

Promote Climate friendly behavior? Gag.
I have a better 3 point course
1. Respect your environment and neighbors
2. Spend your money wisely
3. Ignore fools.