Environmental awareness among B.

Ed student teachers of Gulbarga city

Sushma N Jogan
JRF scholar
DOS in Education
Gulbarga University,
Kalaburagi-585106
Email: snjogan.jogan@gmail.com
Mob: 9591715030

Dr. Hoovinbhavi B.L

Professor & Dean
DOS in Education
Gulbarga University,
Kalaburagi-585106
Email: hoovinbhavibl@gmail.com

Abstract:
The present investigation was conducted to provide information about the level of environmental
attitude of student teachers of Gulbarga city. The major problem of the world is environmental
degradation. Both developing and developed countries are facing these problems. To combat this
menace, we should become environmentally aware and sensitive. Environmental awareness is an
integral part of the movements success. By teaching our students, family and friends that the
physical environment is fragile and indispensable we can begin fixing the problems that threaten
it. In formal system of education, teaching of environmental education not only depends upon
curriculum and other facilities but also the quality of teachers in terms of knowledge, awareness,
attitude and skills relating to environmental education. Teacher plays a vital role in developing
enviable attitude towards awareness of environment among students. Due to intervention of
human beings, the delicate ecosystem of our planet is facing the danger of destruction of natural
environment. For the study 240 samples were chosen randomly. Survey method has been
adopted. In order to adhere the objective data were collected and analyzed by using TEAS (Taj
Environmental Attitude Scale) and paired sample t test in SPSS. The findings revealed that level
of environmental awareness is high among B.Ed student teachers. It is concluded that there is
significant difference found in the environmental attitude among B.Ed student teachers. It is
suggested that environmental education should be made compulsory in their curriculum.
Key words: Environmental attitude, Environmental awareness, Environmental degradation,
B.Ed student teachers and Environmental education
Introduction:
Environmental awareness is an integral part of the movements success. Since the time, it is
observed that environmental degradation occurs mostly due to destruction of natural environs.
Now there is a drastic need for protection and preservation of natural resources. This can be

possible if we have a right type of attitude and awareness towards environment conservation. It is
widely accepted that the development of awareness and attitude can be possible through
environmental education. In developing countries most of the environmental problems are
caused by lack of proper education. At the very outset, special attention must be paid to the
school going children and women. Schools, colleges and universities play an enormously
significant role in generating environmental awareness among children and youth. Textbooks
reveal an increasing concern with environmental problems and solutions and numerous courses
are available at different levels that provide environmental education relating to management and
conservation of environment, environmental health, social ecology and so on.
Need and significance of the study:
The need to spread environmental awareness is enormous in the context of successfully
addressing environmental problems. It is linked to environmental education. When learning
about the environments declining health it is easy to feel discouraged, but what keeps us fighting
for a healthy world is the future of our children. They should not have to inherit our
environmental problems and in order to keep their future bright, spreading awareness is
imperative. So, there is a need for spreading environmental awareness in every teacher trainees,
who could bring such awareness among their students. In fact creating awareness of
environmental up gradation is most important for pre service teachers. The present study is taken
up to assess the level of environmental attitude among teacher trainees.
Operational terms defined:
1. Environmental attitude: is defined as an individuals concern for the physical
environment.
2. Environmental awareness: it is an awareness and subsequent desire to preserve a
natural resources and the environment.
3. Environmental degradation: is the deterioration of the environment through depletion
of resources such as air, water and soil; the destruction of ecosystems and the extinction
of wildlife. It is defined as any change or disturbance to the environment perceived to be
deleterious or undesirable.
4. B.Ed teacher trainees: is also known as teaching assistant to teachers. Bachelor students
who take up admission in education.

5. Environmental education: is a process of learning experiences to obtain knowledge,

understanding, skills and awareness with desirable attitudinal changes about mans
relationship with his natural and manmade surroundings.
Review of related literature:
1. Wanlu, somchai (Jun 2015): This research aimed to develop knowledge and awareness of
environmental laws and participation in environmental conservation of probationers in
Thailand.
2. Koruoglu, Nergiz, Ugulu(Oct 2015): A study on investigation of high school students
environmental attitude in terms of some demographic variables. According to the findings
a considerable difference was reached between the gender, grade and parent education
level variables.
3. Dr.Bipasha Sinha (2013): A study on environmental awareness and ecological behavior
among female B.Ed students. A positive correlation was found between environmental
and ecological behavior.
4. M. Sivamoorthy (2013): Environmental awareness and practices among college students.
The level of awareness is high among the respondents irrespective of gender differences.
5. Mercy and Arjunan (2005): A study on school children revealed that boys had better
attitude than girls, as well as urban children had better attitude than rural children etc.
Objectives:
1.
2.
3.
4.

To find out the environmental attitude among B.Ed student teachers of Gulbarga city.
To study the level of environmental awareness of B.Ed student teachers
To compare the levels of awareness of B.Ed students with special reference to gender.
To identify positive attitude among B.Ed student teachers.

Hypotheses:
1. There is a significant difference among B.Ed student teachers towards environmental
awareness.
2. There is a significant difference in male and female B.Ed student teachers towards
environmental awareness.
Sampling technique: For the present study researcher has used random sampling technique.
Size of the sample: A sample of 240 B.Ed student teachers selected from different colleges of
Gulbarga city.

Methodology & Tool: The study is based on Survey method. Taj Environmental Attitude Scale
(TEAS) was used in this study, developed by Dr.Haseen Taj in 2001.
Statistical technique: Mean, SD and Paired sample test was used.
Analysis & Interpretation of data: The collected information from the data was analyzed
statistically by using SPSS version 20. Following are the inferences ascertained.
Hypotheses 1: There is a significant difference among B.Ed student teachers towards
environmental awareness.
Variable
Environmenta

B.Ed

l awareness

trainee

Mean

SD

Level

240

0.508

1.100

5.062

significance
.000*

of

s
*Significance at 0.05 level
The above table shows that the environmental awareness among B.Ed trainee teachers (N=120),
Mean value 0.508, Standard deviation 1.100 and calculated t-value 5.062 and obtained
significant value is 0.000 which is significant at 0.05 level. Therefore, the stated hypothesis is
accepted.
Hypotheses 2: There is a significant difference in male and female B.Ed student teachers
towards environmental awareness.
Variable

Gender

Mean

SD

Level

Environmenta

Male

120

59.01

0.710

910.20

significance
.000*

Female

120

58.49

1.053

8
608.39

.000*

l awareness

of

4
*Significance at 0.05 level
The above table shows that the environmental awareness among Male (120) Mean = 59.01,
Standard Deviation = 0.170, calculated t-value 910.208 and Female (N=120), Mean value 58.49,
Standard deviation 1.053 and calculated t-value 608.394 and obtained significant value is 0.000
which is significant at 0.05 level. Therefore, the stated hypothesis is accepted.
Suggestions:

1. Student teachers suggested that there should be an environmental education as a

mandatory subject.
2. It is also suggested that education regarding environment should add in school education
for children, to enhance their interest in environmental protection.
3. It is the duty and responsibility of each and every teacher must engage and teach students
regarding the importance natural resources and its availability.
4. Further they also suggested that everyone should do all the possible ways for
conservation of environment.
5. Student teachers are taking initiative step for spreading environmental awareness.
Conclusion: It is clear from the above that they have positive attitude towards environment. It is
to conclude that Student teachers have remarkably high level of environmental attitude. With
regard to gender, it is revealed that the level of environmental awareness among female and male
is almost same.
References:
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relation to their environmental attitude, perspectives in education, vol 21(2) Page 100105.
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