Environmental Literacy in Teachers’ Training: Cognitive Elements and Environmental Behaviour of Prospective Student-Teachers

Authors

  • Honest J. Kipasika

Keywords:

Environmental literacy, environmental education, teachers’ training, cognitive elements, environmental behaviour

Abstract

This study examined the level of environmental literacy among prospective student-teachers in the field of adult education and community development offered by the Institute of Adult Education in Tanzania. The randomly selected sample of 111 prospective student teachers admitted to the Diploma of Adult Education and Community Development (DAECD) was assessed using a questionnaire designed to measure environmental knowledge (cognitive) on national together with global issues and priorities, health and environment, water, ecology as well as environmental behaviours. Findings indicated that prospective student teachers were knowledgeable of basic facts about the environment and possessed some responsible behaviours including discipline of protecting and serving the environment. However, they have limited information on global issues such as pollution, loss of biodiversity and climate change. Results from this study emphasize the need to instil environmental literacy in students who choose to study as educators. Teacher training programmes should consider characteristics of the student population, which are outcomes from their individual knowledge, attitudes as well as behavioural elements and include all necessary components for adequately preparing educators who are effectively involved in building environmental competences of their future students.

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Published

2023-06-30