Table 3.
Outcomes reported in ECEE studies.
| Outcome category and definitiona | Number of studies reporting (% of overall sample)b | Sample subcategories |
|---|---|---|
| Environmental Literacy Development: Development of environmental knowledge; understanding, attitudes, skills, and behaviors to inform decisionmaking processes related to active care-taking of the environment | 50 (76%) | Environmental cognition Environmental attitudes Environmental behavior Civic-related skills |
| Cognitive Development: Development of thinking and executive functioning skills as well the acquisition of declarative knowledge (e.g., math and science learning) | 25 (38%) | Cognitive functioning Math and science learning Creativity |
| Social and Emotional Development: Development of social skills, self-regulation skills (e.g., emotional and behavioral control), and emotional understanding and empathy | 25 (38%) | Social skills Self-regulation Sense of autonomy |
| Physical Development: Development of fundamental fine and gross motor skills, as well as attitudes, competencies, and habits to support physical health and wellbeing | 14 (21%) | Physical skills Physical activity |
| Language and Literacy Development: Development of language and communication skills, including acquisition of vocabulary and listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills | 6 (9%) | Language concepts Language skills |
a
Category names and definitions adapted from Copple and Bredekamp (2009) and NAAEE (2016, 2019).
b
In order of decreasing frequency (n = 66).