Research Article

The Impact of Argumentation-Based Environmental Education on the Environmental Literacy of Pre-service Science Teachers

Number: 2 May 2, 2026
TR EN

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

Publication Date

May 2, 2026

Submission Date

August 1, 2025

Acceptance Date

March 30, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 2

APA
Acar, B. G., Çetin, P. S., & Çapkınoğlu, E. (2026). The Impact of Argumentation-Based Environmental Education on the Environmental Literacy of Pre-service Science Teachers. Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education, 2, 729-754. https://doi.org/10.14686/buefad.1755710

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Bartın University Journal of Faculty of Education