The Impact of Argumentation-Based Environmental Education on the Environmental Literacy of Pre-service Science Teachers
Abstract
| Purpose: This study investigates the impact of argumentation-based environmental education on the development of environmental literacy among pre-service science teachers (PSTs) using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Method: A total of 55 PSTs were divided into experimental (n=28) and comparison (n=27) groups. Over a seven-week period, the experimental group received scenario-based argumentation instruction on environmental issues, while the comparison group followed a traditional instructional approach. Quantitative data were collected using the “Environmental Literacy Scale”, and qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews. Findings: Independent samples t-tests revealed that the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher gains in environmental knowledge (t(53)=4.86, p<0.001), environmental attitude (t(53)=2.97, p< 0.01), and environmental use (t(53)=2.85, p< 0.01) compared to the comparison group. Furthermore, qualitative findings supported the statistical results, indicating that argumentation-based instruction enhanced PSTs’ critical thinking, motivation, and ability to connect scientific concepts with real-world environmental issues. Conclusion: These findings suggest that argumentation-based environmental education is an effective approach for fostering environmental literacy in science teacher education programs. |
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Science Education
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Büşra Gülfem Acar
0009-0004-8870-2169
Türkiye
Pınar Seda Çetin
0000-0003-4299-0893
Türkiye
Esra Çapkınoğlu
*
0000-0003-3076-1196
Türkiye
Publication Date
May 2, 2026
Submission Date
August 1, 2025
Acceptance Date
March 30, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Number: 2
