The integration and the impact of environmental education in school curriculum. (c2012)

Abstract

This study described the integration of environmental education in the school curriculum in formal and non formal contexts and examined its impact on the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behavior of forty five students in grade ten. Qualitative data from the principal interview, teacher’s questionnaire, and school’s documents showed that students learnt about global and local environmental topics (Pine Forest) in Languages, Biology, Chemistry, Social Studies, Sociology, and Economics. Quantitative results from students’ pre and post assessments showed that environmental education program had a positive and significant impact. Students improved their environmental knowledge and skills and reinforced their positive attitudes and behavior. Findings suggested that further longitudinal studies are important to sustain the positive influence of environmental programs on students’ ecological awareness, skills, and attitudes in the secondary, intermediate, and elementary classes.