Research Article
BibTex RIS Cite

Investigation of Turkish Seventh Grade Students’ Awareness about Nature

Year 2018, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 64 - 81, 08.01.2018

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine Turkish middle
school seventh grade students’ awareness about the biotic and abiotic factors
which constituted nature and to examine the effects of various variables
including gender, living place, the mother’ and father’ educational level and
socio-economic status. For this purpose, The Awareness of Nature Scale is used.
A total of 427 students living in rural and urban part of Kutahya provience
participated in the study. The gathered data is analysed by using frequency
tables and percentages. Besides, independent sample T-test and Analysis of
Variance (ANOVA) are used for examining the effect of various variables. The
results revealed that middle school seventh grade students’ awareness about
biotic and abiotic factors is insufficient. No statistically significant effect
for gender is detected. The students who live in the urban areas are found to
be more aware of the biotic and abiotic factors when compared to the students
who live in rural. Moreover, the students who have educated parents and high family
income are found to be more aware of the biotic and abiotic factors. 

References

  • Ahi, B., Balci, S., & Alisinanoglu, F. (2017). Exploring Turkish preservice teachers' mental models of the environment: Are they related to gender and academic level?. The Journal of Environmental Education, 48(3), 182-195. doi:10.1080/00958964.2016.1267102
  • Anderson, J. L., Ellis, J. P., & Jones, A. M. (2014). Understanding early elementary children's conceptual knowledge of plant structure and function through drawings. CBE-Life Sciences Education, 13(3), 375-386.
  • Aydin, F., & Cepni, O. (2012). Investigation of primary education second grade students’ attitudes towards environment in terms of various variables (Karabük city case). Dicle Universitesi Ziya Gökalp Egitim Fakultesi Dergisi, 18, 189-207.
  • Basoglu, M. (2014). Kuresel ısınma ve toprak ananın yikimi. Istanbul, Turkey: Su Yayinlari.
  • Bebbington, A. (2005). The ability of A-level students to name plants. Journal of Biological Education, 39(2), 63-67. doi:10.1080/00219266.2005.9655963
  • Bunting, T. E., & Cousins, L. R. (1985). Environmental dispositions among school-age children: A preliminary investigation. Environment and Behavior, 17(6), 725-768.
  • Buyuksahin, Y., & Demirci Guler, M. P. (2014). The comparison of situation of primary school students live in rural and urban areas in awareness on biological concepts encounter in their everyday life. Uluslararasi Avrasya Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 5(14), 148-166.
  • Cepel, N. (2006). Ekoloji, dogal yaşam dunyaları ve insan. Ankara, Turkey: Palme Yayinlari.
  • Chapman, D., & Sharma, K. (2001). Environmental attitudes and behavior of primary and secondary students in Asian cities: An overview strategy for implementing an eco-schools programme. The Environmentalist, 21(4), 265-272.
  • Demirbas, M., & Pektas, H. M. (2009). Elementary students’ levels of realization of basic concepts related with environment problem. Necatibey Faculty of Education Electronic Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 3(2), 195-211.
  • Desjean-Perotta, B. (2013). Raising a generation of environmentally literate children: Are preservice teachers ready? Childhood Education, 89(4), 260–267.
  • Dikmenli, M., Cardak, O., & Turkmen, L. (2002, September). İlkogretim ogrencilerinin Hayvanlar Alemi ve Siniflandirilmasi kavramlarıyla ilgili alternatif gorusleri. Paper presented at the V. National Science and Mathematics Education Congress, Ankara.
  • Ebel, R. L., & Frisbie, D.A. (1986). Essentials of educational measurement. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
  • Erol, G. H., & Gezer, K. (2006). Prospective of elementary school teachers’ attitudes toward environment and environmental problems. International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 1(1), 65-77.
  • Fraenkel, J. R., Wallen, N. E., & Hyun, H. H. (2011). How to design and evaluate research in education (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Gatt, S., Tunnicliffe, S. D., Borg, K., & Lautier, K. (2007). Young Maltese children's ideas about plants. Journal of Biological Education, 41(3), 117-122. doi: 10.1080/00219266.2007.9656080
  • Gillen, A. L., & Williams, R. P. (1993). Dinner date with a microbe. The American Biology Teacher, 55(5), 268-274. doi: 10.2307/4449658
  • Guven, S., & Uyanik, B. (2012). Primary school student’ awareness of global environmental problems. Erzincan Universitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstiusu Dergisi, 5(2), 291-310.
  • Higde, E., Oztekin, C., & Sahin, E. (2017). Turkish pre-service science teachers' awareness, beliefs, values, and behaviours pertinent to climate change. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 26(3), 253-263, doi:10.1080/10382046.2017.1330040
  • Hinds, J., & Sparks, P. (2008). Engaging with the natural environment: The role of affective connection and identity. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 28(2), 109-120. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2007.11.001
  • Keles, R., & Hamamci, C. (1993). Cevrebilim. [Ecology]. Ankara, Turkey: İmge Kitabevi Yayinlari
  • Kellert, S. R. (1985). Attitudes toward animals: Age-related development among children. The Journal of Environmental Education, 16(3), 29-39.
  • Liefländer, A. K., & Bogner, F. X. (2014). The effects of children's age and sex on acquiring pro-environmental attitudes through environmental education. The Journal of Environmental Education, 45(2), 105-117. doi: 10.1080/00958964.2013.875511
  • Loughland, T., Reid, A., Walker, K., & Petocz, P. (2003). Factors influencing young people's conceptions of environment. Environmental Education Research, 9(1), 3-19.
  • Meydan, A., & Dogu, S. (2008). Evaluation of the views of the second grade primary school students on environmental problems according to some variables. Selcuk Universitesi Ahmet Kelesoglu Egitim Fakultesi Dergisi, 26(1), 267-277.
  • Ministry of National Education. [MONE]. (2013). Fen bilimleri dersi ogretim programi (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, ve 8. siniflar [3rd, 4th, 5th , 6th , 7th and 8th grade science curriculum]. Ankara, Turkey. Retrieved from http://ttkb.meb.gov.tr
  • Moseley, C., Desjean‐Perrotta, B., & Utley, J. (2010). The draw‐an‐environment test rubric (DAET‐R): Exploring pre‐service teachers’ mental models of the environment. Environmental Education Research, 16(2), 189-208.
  • North American Association for Environmental Education [NAAEE]. (2004). Guidelines for the preparation and professional development of environmental educators. Washington, DC: Author.
  • Oosterhof, A. (2001). Classroom applications of educational measurement. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
  • Pallant, J. (2010). SPSS survival manual: A step by step guide to data analysis using SPSS. (3rd ed.). Berkshire, England: McGraw-Hill International.
  • Prokop, P., Tuncer, G., & Kvasničák, R. (2007). Short-term effects of field programme on students’ knowledge and attitude toward biology: A Slovak experience. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 16(3), 247-255.
  • Toman, U., Odabasi, C. S., & Cimer, A. (2015). An investigation into the conceptions of photosynthesis and respiration in plants at different educational levels. Karadeniz Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 2, 15-30.
  • Tuncer, G., Sungur, S., Tekkaya, C., & Ertepinar, H. (2004). Environmental attitudes of the 6th grade students from rural and urban areas: A case a study for ankara. Hacettepe Universitesi Egitim Fakultesi Dergisi, 26, 167-175.
  • Tunnicliffe, S. D., & Reiss, M. J. (2000). Building a model of the environment: How do children see plants?. Journal of Biological Education, 34(4), 172-177. doi:10.1080/00219266.2000.9655714
  • Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security (TMLSS). (nd). Minimum wage. Retreieved from https://www.csgb.gov.tr/home/contents/istatistikler/asgariucret/
  • Turkmen, L., Cardak, O., & Dikmenli, M. (2002, September). Lise ogrencilerinin canlıların cesitliligi ve siniflandirilmasi konusundaki kavram yanilgilarinin belirlenmesi. Paper presented at the V. National Science and Mathematics Education Congress, Ankara.
  • Urey, M., & Cepni, S. (2014). The evaluation of the effect of the science-based and ınterdisciplinary school garden program on students’ attitudes towards science and technology course from different variables. Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 33(2), 537-548.
  • Van Liere, K. D., & Dunlap, R. E. (1980). The social bases of environmental concern: A review of hypotheses, explanations and empirical evidence. Public Opinion Quarterly, 44(2), 181-197.
  • Williams, R. P., & Gillen, A. L. (1991). Microbe phobia and kitchen microbiology. American Biology Teacher, 53(1), 10-11. doi: 10.2307/4449204
  • Yakisan, M., Selvi, M. ve Yuruk, N. (2007). Biyoloji ogretmen adaylarinin tohumlu bitkiler hakkindaki alternatif kavramlari.. Turk Fen Egitimi Dergisi, 4(1), 60-78.
  • Yalcinkaya, E. (2012). The levels of primary 6th grade students’ awareness of environmental issues. Marmara Cografya Dergisi, 25, 137-151
  • Yildiz, K., Yilmaz, M., & Sipahioglu, S. (2005). Çevre Bilimi [Ecology], Ankara, Turkey: Gunduz Egitim ve Yayincilik.
Year 2018, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 64 - 81, 08.01.2018

Abstract

References

  • Ahi, B., Balci, S., & Alisinanoglu, F. (2017). Exploring Turkish preservice teachers' mental models of the environment: Are they related to gender and academic level?. The Journal of Environmental Education, 48(3), 182-195. doi:10.1080/00958964.2016.1267102
  • Anderson, J. L., Ellis, J. P., & Jones, A. M. (2014). Understanding early elementary children's conceptual knowledge of plant structure and function through drawings. CBE-Life Sciences Education, 13(3), 375-386.
  • Aydin, F., & Cepni, O. (2012). Investigation of primary education second grade students’ attitudes towards environment in terms of various variables (Karabük city case). Dicle Universitesi Ziya Gökalp Egitim Fakultesi Dergisi, 18, 189-207.
  • Basoglu, M. (2014). Kuresel ısınma ve toprak ananın yikimi. Istanbul, Turkey: Su Yayinlari.
  • Bebbington, A. (2005). The ability of A-level students to name plants. Journal of Biological Education, 39(2), 63-67. doi:10.1080/00219266.2005.9655963
  • Bunting, T. E., & Cousins, L. R. (1985). Environmental dispositions among school-age children: A preliminary investigation. Environment and Behavior, 17(6), 725-768.
  • Buyuksahin, Y., & Demirci Guler, M. P. (2014). The comparison of situation of primary school students live in rural and urban areas in awareness on biological concepts encounter in their everyday life. Uluslararasi Avrasya Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 5(14), 148-166.
  • Cepel, N. (2006). Ekoloji, dogal yaşam dunyaları ve insan. Ankara, Turkey: Palme Yayinlari.
  • Chapman, D., & Sharma, K. (2001). Environmental attitudes and behavior of primary and secondary students in Asian cities: An overview strategy for implementing an eco-schools programme. The Environmentalist, 21(4), 265-272.
  • Demirbas, M., & Pektas, H. M. (2009). Elementary students’ levels of realization of basic concepts related with environment problem. Necatibey Faculty of Education Electronic Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 3(2), 195-211.
  • Desjean-Perotta, B. (2013). Raising a generation of environmentally literate children: Are preservice teachers ready? Childhood Education, 89(4), 260–267.
  • Dikmenli, M., Cardak, O., & Turkmen, L. (2002, September). İlkogretim ogrencilerinin Hayvanlar Alemi ve Siniflandirilmasi kavramlarıyla ilgili alternatif gorusleri. Paper presented at the V. National Science and Mathematics Education Congress, Ankara.
  • Ebel, R. L., & Frisbie, D.A. (1986). Essentials of educational measurement. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
  • Erol, G. H., & Gezer, K. (2006). Prospective of elementary school teachers’ attitudes toward environment and environmental problems. International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 1(1), 65-77.
  • Fraenkel, J. R., Wallen, N. E., & Hyun, H. H. (2011). How to design and evaluate research in education (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Gatt, S., Tunnicliffe, S. D., Borg, K., & Lautier, K. (2007). Young Maltese children's ideas about plants. Journal of Biological Education, 41(3), 117-122. doi: 10.1080/00219266.2007.9656080
  • Gillen, A. L., & Williams, R. P. (1993). Dinner date with a microbe. The American Biology Teacher, 55(5), 268-274. doi: 10.2307/4449658
  • Guven, S., & Uyanik, B. (2012). Primary school student’ awareness of global environmental problems. Erzincan Universitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstiusu Dergisi, 5(2), 291-310.
  • Higde, E., Oztekin, C., & Sahin, E. (2017). Turkish pre-service science teachers' awareness, beliefs, values, and behaviours pertinent to climate change. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 26(3), 253-263, doi:10.1080/10382046.2017.1330040
  • Hinds, J., & Sparks, P. (2008). Engaging with the natural environment: The role of affective connection and identity. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 28(2), 109-120. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2007.11.001
  • Keles, R., & Hamamci, C. (1993). Cevrebilim. [Ecology]. Ankara, Turkey: İmge Kitabevi Yayinlari
  • Kellert, S. R. (1985). Attitudes toward animals: Age-related development among children. The Journal of Environmental Education, 16(3), 29-39.
  • Liefländer, A. K., & Bogner, F. X. (2014). The effects of children's age and sex on acquiring pro-environmental attitudes through environmental education. The Journal of Environmental Education, 45(2), 105-117. doi: 10.1080/00958964.2013.875511
  • Loughland, T., Reid, A., Walker, K., & Petocz, P. (2003). Factors influencing young people's conceptions of environment. Environmental Education Research, 9(1), 3-19.
  • Meydan, A., & Dogu, S. (2008). Evaluation of the views of the second grade primary school students on environmental problems according to some variables. Selcuk Universitesi Ahmet Kelesoglu Egitim Fakultesi Dergisi, 26(1), 267-277.
  • Ministry of National Education. [MONE]. (2013). Fen bilimleri dersi ogretim programi (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, ve 8. siniflar [3rd, 4th, 5th , 6th , 7th and 8th grade science curriculum]. Ankara, Turkey. Retrieved from http://ttkb.meb.gov.tr
  • Moseley, C., Desjean‐Perrotta, B., & Utley, J. (2010). The draw‐an‐environment test rubric (DAET‐R): Exploring pre‐service teachers’ mental models of the environment. Environmental Education Research, 16(2), 189-208.
  • North American Association for Environmental Education [NAAEE]. (2004). Guidelines for the preparation and professional development of environmental educators. Washington, DC: Author.
  • Oosterhof, A. (2001). Classroom applications of educational measurement. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
  • Pallant, J. (2010). SPSS survival manual: A step by step guide to data analysis using SPSS. (3rd ed.). Berkshire, England: McGraw-Hill International.
  • Prokop, P., Tuncer, G., & Kvasničák, R. (2007). Short-term effects of field programme on students’ knowledge and attitude toward biology: A Slovak experience. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 16(3), 247-255.
  • Toman, U., Odabasi, C. S., & Cimer, A. (2015). An investigation into the conceptions of photosynthesis and respiration in plants at different educational levels. Karadeniz Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 2, 15-30.
  • Tuncer, G., Sungur, S., Tekkaya, C., & Ertepinar, H. (2004). Environmental attitudes of the 6th grade students from rural and urban areas: A case a study for ankara. Hacettepe Universitesi Egitim Fakultesi Dergisi, 26, 167-175.
  • Tunnicliffe, S. D., & Reiss, M. J. (2000). Building a model of the environment: How do children see plants?. Journal of Biological Education, 34(4), 172-177. doi:10.1080/00219266.2000.9655714
  • Turkish Ministry of Labor and Social Security (TMLSS). (nd). Minimum wage. Retreieved from https://www.csgb.gov.tr/home/contents/istatistikler/asgariucret/
  • Turkmen, L., Cardak, O., & Dikmenli, M. (2002, September). Lise ogrencilerinin canlıların cesitliligi ve siniflandirilmasi konusundaki kavram yanilgilarinin belirlenmesi. Paper presented at the V. National Science and Mathematics Education Congress, Ankara.
  • Urey, M., & Cepni, S. (2014). The evaluation of the effect of the science-based and ınterdisciplinary school garden program on students’ attitudes towards science and technology course from different variables. Ondokuz Mayıs Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 33(2), 537-548.
  • Van Liere, K. D., & Dunlap, R. E. (1980). The social bases of environmental concern: A review of hypotheses, explanations and empirical evidence. Public Opinion Quarterly, 44(2), 181-197.
  • Williams, R. P., & Gillen, A. L. (1991). Microbe phobia and kitchen microbiology. American Biology Teacher, 53(1), 10-11. doi: 10.2307/4449204
  • Yakisan, M., Selvi, M. ve Yuruk, N. (2007). Biyoloji ogretmen adaylarinin tohumlu bitkiler hakkindaki alternatif kavramlari.. Turk Fen Egitimi Dergisi, 4(1), 60-78.
  • Yalcinkaya, E. (2012). The levels of primary 6th grade students’ awareness of environmental issues. Marmara Cografya Dergisi, 25, 137-151
  • Yildiz, K., Yilmaz, M., & Sipahioglu, S. (2005). Çevre Bilimi [Ecology], Ankara, Turkey: Gunduz Egitim ve Yayincilik.
There are 41 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Journal Section Research Papers
Authors

Uğur Kiraz This is me

Ümran Betül Cebesoy This is me

Mehtap Dönmez Şahin This is me

Publication Date January 8, 2018
Published in Issue Year 2018 Volume: 8 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Kiraz, U., Cebesoy, Ü. B., & Dönmez Şahin, M. (2018). Investigation of Turkish Seventh Grade Students’ Awareness about Nature. International Electronic Journal of Environmental Education, 8(1), 64-81.
AMA Kiraz U, Cebesoy ÜB, Dönmez Şahin M. Investigation of Turkish Seventh Grade Students’ Awareness about Nature. IEJEE-Green. January 2018;8(1):64-81.
Chicago Kiraz, Uğur, Ümran Betül Cebesoy, and Mehtap Dönmez Şahin. “Investigation of Turkish Seventh Grade Students’ Awareness about Nature”. International Electronic Journal of Environmental Education 8, no. 1 (January 2018): 64-81.
EndNote Kiraz U, Cebesoy ÜB, Dönmez Şahin M (January 1, 2018) Investigation of Turkish Seventh Grade Students’ Awareness about Nature. International Electronic Journal of Environmental Education 8 1 64–81.
IEEE U. Kiraz, Ü. B. Cebesoy, and M. Dönmez Şahin, “Investigation of Turkish Seventh Grade Students’ Awareness about Nature”, IEJEE-Green, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 64–81, 2018.
ISNAD Kiraz, Uğur et al. “Investigation of Turkish Seventh Grade Students’ Awareness about Nature”. International Electronic Journal of Environmental Education 8/1 (January 2018), 64-81.
JAMA Kiraz U, Cebesoy ÜB, Dönmez Şahin M. Investigation of Turkish Seventh Grade Students’ Awareness about Nature. IEJEE-Green. 2018;8:64–81.
MLA Kiraz, Uğur et al. “Investigation of Turkish Seventh Grade Students’ Awareness about Nature”. International Electronic Journal of Environmental Education, vol. 8, no. 1, 2018, pp. 64-81.
Vancouver Kiraz U, Cebesoy ÜB, Dönmez Şahin M. Investigation of Turkish Seventh Grade Students’ Awareness about Nature. IEJEE-Green. 2018;8(1):64-81.