Exploring environmental perceptions through family involvement: A phenomenological inquiry with students and parents

Özgecan Yaman; Özlem Ateş

doi:10.34056/aujef.1857350

Exploring environmental perceptions through family involvement: A phenomenological inquiry with students and parents

Abstract

This phenomenological study explores how eight third-grade students and their families in a rural district interpret environmental phenomena and their shared educational experiences. Data were gathered through multiple qualitative instruments, including word association tests, student and researcher diaries, semi-structured interviews, and observations to capture the depth of these perceptions. Findings reveal that participants define the environment as an integrated system of living beings within both natural and artificial contexts, viewing it as a shared home for people, animals, and plants. Participants notably pointed to pollution, drought, and climate change as primary environmental problems while emphasizing the influential role of human factors and their consumption habits. They proposed concrete strategies to prevent these issues, focusing on waste repurposing, recycling, and social warnings. The intentional practice-based design of this study enabled children to act as effective catalysts for intergenerational learning. Participants characterized this process as a meaningful lived experience that fostered positive emotions and interactive dialogue. This process enabled reverse socialization, in which children influenced parental habits and strengthened family bonds through quality time. Pedagogically, the study suggests reconceptualizing family participation as a learning ecosystem that bridges the gap between formal schooling and daily life. By transforming routines into a conscious environmental mindset, this synergy fosters a lasting culture of sustainability at home.

Keywords

Project Number

This study is derived from the first author's master’s thesis, conducted under the supervision of the second author.

Ethical Statement

The study was carried out with ethical publication standards and approved by the Manisa Celal Bayar University Social and Human Sciences Ethics Committee’s decision, No. 13, dated 02/05/2023.

Thanks

The authors would like to thank Assist. Prof. Dr. Gonca Babadağ for her valuable contribution as an external expert in examining the data and ensuring the trustworthiness of the study.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Primary Education

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Özgecan Yaman
0009-0003-1570-1758
Türkiye

Özlem Ateş ^*
0000-0001-9446-2940
Türkiye

Publication Date

March 6, 2026

Submission Date

January 6, 2026

Acceptance Date

February 16, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.34056/aujef.1857350

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA48ZZ68JB

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Yaman, Ö., & Ateş, Ö. (2026). Exploring environmental perceptions through family involvement: A phenomenological inquiry with students and parents. Anadolu University Journal of Education Faculty, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.34056/aujef.1857350