Effect of the Israeli “Green Schools” Reform on Pupils’ Environmental Attitudes and Behavior

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to explore the mechanism through which a reform in environmental education (EE) programs affects pupils’ relation to the environment. We surveyed 589 pupils aged 9–12 years in three types of Israeli elementary school: regular schools, schools that implement an EE program (designated “green schools”), and schools that implement a more intensive EE program (designated “persistent green schools”). Analyzing the results obtained from our questionnaire, we found that both EE programs had a positive effect on environmental attitudes. Importantly, however, only persistent green schools showed a direct positive effect on environmental behavior. In addition, we assessed the influences of various demographic and other factors on pupils’ relation to the environment. Of note, we found that students who spent their leisure time watching TV or engaging with other electronic media expressed less concern about the environment.

KEYWORDS:

• Environmental attitudes
• environmental behavior
• environmental education
• green school

Notes

For an example of informal EE programs in Israel, see Tal (2004).

We performed statistical tests to confirm that ordinary least squares (OLS) model assumptions are met. They are not included due to space limits. They are available from the authors upon request.

Spending time outdoors is related to a broader subject of connectivity with nature. It has been shown that this factor predicts environmental concern (Dutcher et al. 2007).