Throughout the B.A.M. and J.A.M.I.N. programs, we evaluate each program by surveying students in each of the three phases of the mangrove education and restoration process. We use this information to gauge how much information the students initially know regarding mangroves and their attitudes toward them before we begin the programs. After we start the programs, we continue to survey the students. This data helps us to determine whether our education programs are effective and whether we know our audience. It also allows us to measure how much knowledge is retained and whether their attitudes and actions about mangroves change as they continue through the program.
During the final survey, we ask the students for their input about the program. We want to know things such as: How we can improve the program, What was their favorite part of the program, and What did they learn from participating in the program?
One of my favorite things after the programs have ended is reading the students’ written responses. Below you will find select responses to the final survey. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
“Thank you to all of you for taking time out of your day to educate my class on mangroves. It was a positive experience (besides getting my tennis shoes wet and muddy), and I hope you continue the program and that your future students enjoy it as much as I did!”
— Rachel Thedinga, Forest Heights Academy
“Learning about mangroves was a really fun project, and I would like to learn more.”
— La’Mya Evans, Forest Heights Academy
“I learned how mangroves benefit our environment and our lives.”
— Luce Gape, Forest Heights Academy
“My favorite part of the program would be getting to learn more about my propagules and watching them grow.”
— Laurichania St Fleury, Patrick J. Bethel High School
“What I learned from this project is that mangroves are needed for coastal and environmental protection, and they benefit everyone.”
— Travon Douglas, Patrick J. Bethel High School
“My favorite part of the project was actually going to see the mangroves and getting to plant my mangrove propagules.”
— Yohanna Petit-frere, Patrick J. Bethel High School
“I’m thankful that I was able to go and plant the mangroves myself. This was my first time going to the mangroves in person, and it was really fun.”
— Cianna Albury, Patrick J. Bethel High School
“I’d like to say that I enjoyed the project and it really made me excited to experience this first hand. I wouldn’t hesitate to experience this again.”
— Le-Andre Playdle, Patrick J. Bethel High School
