Revista Electrónica de Investigación Educativa (Nov 2011)

Environmental culture in High-School Students. Case study of Environmental Education at the High-School Level in Campeche

  • Ricardo Isaac-Márquez,
  • Oswaldo Orlando Salavarría García,
  • Amarella Eastmond Spencer,
  • María Esther Ayala Arcipreste,
  • Marco Antonio Arteaga Aguilar,
  • Angélica Patricia Isaac-Márquez,
  • Jorge Luis Sandoval Valladares,
  • Luis Ariel Manzanero Acevedo

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 2

Abstract

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This paper offers an analysis of the situation presented by environmental education at the high-school level, by means of a case study done in the municipality of Campeche. There was performed exploratory research which combined quantitative and qualitative methods to diagnose high-school students’ level of environmental culture, as well as the type of environmental education they receive. The results indicate that students have a low level of environmental awareness, and lack the necessary knowledge and skills with which to make environmentally-friendly changes in their lifestyles. Although they show an interest in environmental issues, both their institutional context and their teachers’ low level of qualification operate as factors that discourage the students. The results allowed us to identify windows of opportunity for environmental education in the light of the students’ positive attitudes, their interest in learning sustainable practices, and the importance of the school as a source of information on the environment.

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