Environmental Awareness and Practices of Science Students: Input for Ecological Management Plan

Year 2019, Volume: 9 Issue: 2, 106 - 119, 08.06.2019

Danilo Rogayan Eveyen El Elyonna D. Nebrıda

Abstract

The role of the schools is very critical in order to develop environmentally-aware and ecologically-conscious students. This descriptive-correlational study sought to measure the level of awareness and practices of 100 Science students in a public secondary school in Zambales, Philippines. Findings revealed that the Science students are very aware on environmental concepts and state of environment; and very aware in environmental issues and problems. They often practice taking actions to solve environmental problems and sometimes practice the need to possess a high degree of commitment. The study found out that there is a moderate correlation between students’ awareness on environmental concepts and issues and their practices to solve the environmental problems and possess a high degree of commitment. The study recommends that information dissemination programs regarding environmental concepts, state of the environment, ecological issues and problems could be sustained by the school to keep the ecological awareness of the students high. Environmental advocacies and eco-movement may likewise be institutionalized in the school through student organizations like YES-O and Science clubs. The crafted ecological management plan is recommended for implementation to increase the degree of commitment of students towards ecological conservation.

Keywords

environmental education, environmental awareness, environmental practices, ecological management plan, descriptive-correlational research, Zambales

References

• Aklilu, D. (2010). Teachers’ Awareness, Attitudes And Practice Of Environmental Education In Oromo Nationality Administration, Amhara Region.Ali, Y.A. (2002). Environmental Awareness and Practices of Faculty of Selected Tertiary Schools in Central Mindanao. Graduate School, Notre Dame University.Arai, E. & Sprules, S. (2001). The Status Of Environmental Education In British Columbia Public Schools: Grades 6, 7, And 8 In The Vancouver School District As A Case Study: An Undergraduate Honours Thesis. University of British Columbia. Retrieved October 3, 2015 from http://www.ensc.ubc.ca/about/pdfs/theses/arai_et_al.pdf.Attri, A.K. (2010). Environmental Awareness among Prospective Teachers of Himachal Pradesh. Retrieved October 4, 2015 from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Environmental-Awareness-Among-Prospective-Teachers-287879.html.Balmaceda, L.B. (2004). Environmental Awareness, Attitude and Practices of the Tinguians. Thesis (MA Education-Science Education, Mariano Marcos State University Graduate School, Laoag City.Hassan, A. (2009). The Level of Environmental Awareness among Students to Fulfill the Aspiration of National Philosophy of Education. American Journal of Scientific Research, ISSN 1450-223X Issue 5 (2009), pp.50-58. Retrieved September 28, 2014 from http://psasir.upm.edu.my/17238/1/1450-223X.pdf.Krishnamaracharyulu V. & Reddy G.S. (2005). Environmental Education: Aims and Objectives of Environmental Education: Importance of Environmental Education. Hyderabad: Neelkamal Publications Pvt. Ltd. Retrieved September 28, 2015 from http://www.krepublishers.com/02-Journals/JHE/JHE-31-0-000-10-Web/JHE-31-2-000-10-Abst-PDF/JHE-31-2-121-10-2040-Larijani-M/JHE-31-2-121-10-2040-Larijani-M-Tt.pdf.Krohne, D.T. (2012). General Ecology, 2nd Edition. Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd: Singapore.Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priorities. (2002).Republic Act No. 9512, entitled "An Act to Promote Environmental Awareness through Environmental Education and for Other Purposes." Retrieved September 28, 2015 from chanrobles.com.Raymundo-Abulon, E.L.C. (2010). Pre-Service Teachers’ Motivation Related to Career Choice: The Case of PNU BECED and BEED Students. The Normal Lights. Sharmin, L. (2003). Assessment of Environmental Awareness of the Students with Primary Education. Bangladesh: Research and Evaluation Division, BRAC Center. Retrieved September 30, 2015 from http://research.brac.net/reports/assessment_of_environment_awareness_of_students_with_primary_education_pdf.pdf.Shobeiri, S. M., Omidvar, B. and Prahallada, N. N. (2007). A Comparative Study of Environmental Awareness among Secondary School Students in Iran and India. International Journal of Environmental Research, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2007, pp. 28-34.