Analysis of Environmental Concepts and Attitudes Among Biology Degree Students

Abstract

Environmental education (EE) is based on environmental values and students' attitudes and is considered to be a basic component of university studies. Students' perceptions of the environment and their expectations about an elective course called Environmental Education offered at a large university in southeastern Spain were identified in 2 surveys (pretest and posttest) administered at the beginning and end of the academic year. The students' motivations for registering in this course were pragmatic, educational, and ethical. Their knowledge of environmental concepts increased, and their attitudes changed over the course of the school year. Initially, the students preferred nature protection values to economic interests. Later in the course the students espoused other human values (sustainable development and solidarity), demonstrating an apparent shift toward systemic and complex attitudes about environmental matters. The students' change in perception of the most important environmental problems at global and local levels is discussed.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rafael Pedauyé

Victor J. Mangas is a professor and Rafael Pedauyé is an associate professor in the Department of Earth Sciences and Environment at the University of Alicante, Spain. Pilar Martinez is a professor in the Teacher Training School at the University of Alicante.