Graduate Students, Study of Environmental Literacy and Sustainable Development

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the level of environmental literacy of the graduate students in Amasya University; their approach to environment and environmental issues; and to investigate their beliefs about the sustainable development. The sample of the study is 5 graduate students studying at Amasya University, 3 female and 2 male, in 2012-2013 academic year. The interviews, each of which lasted about 20-25 minutes, were conducted with graduate students. The data collected was analyzed by using content analysis. According to the findings, environmental knowledge of graduate students is not at a high level but their approach to environment and environmental issues, interest of environmental education is at a high level. In addition, they have positive awareness about sustainable development. Graduate students are the teachers or the academics of the future. Therefore, these students' environmental knowledge and attitudes towards environment, sensitivity and interest have a great importance with regard to the solution of environmental problems. With this in mind, further studies like this might be conducted. This study is significant to prepare a background for the studies in this field and to make contribution to the literature.

Keywords

• Environmental literacy, sustainable development, graduate students

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