Awareness and Sources of Climate Change Information among Secondary Students in Nairobi County, Kenya
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Date
2014
Authors
Gichuki, Mutahi William
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
The study investigated the awareness and sources of climate change information
among the secondary school students in Nairobi County. The objectives of the
study were to find out whether students and teachers are aware of climate change
and their sources of information on climate change. It also investigated the extent
to which climate change information has been covered in the integrated
environmental education. The study applied the descriptive survey design. The
target population consisted of secondary schools students and teachers in Nairobi
County and curriculum development officer from KIE. The sample consisted of
792 students, 198 teachers from 18 secondary schools and I officer from Kenya
institute of education. The sample was drawn using stratified, purposive and
simple random sampling techniques .The reliability of instruments was ensured
by conducting three pilot surveys. The data was collected through the use of
questionnaires for the students and the teachers and an interview schedule for the
Kenya institute of education officer. Data was analyzed using the statistical
package for social sciences (SPSS). Chi- square Test was used to determine
relationship between variables (p<O.OS). The finding revealed a low level of
cl imate change awareness among students of secondary schools in the study area.
The student's knowledge of causes and effect of climate change were inadequate.
There was significant association between student's knowledge on climate change
and willingness to be involved in climate change mitigation activities (p=O.OOO).
Although majority of the teachers were aware of global climate change their
knowledge on climate change is inadequate to teach it. There was significant
association between students and teachers sources of information on climate
change and gender (p=O.OOI).The media was the main source of climate change
information for both the students and the teachers. Climate change topics were not
adequately covered in integrated environmental education. The study
recommends that climate change awareness activities be included in the existing
Environmental clubs in schools so as to mobilize the students on the importance
of bracing up to the challenges of climate change and also creating climate change
awareness. The schools should be equipped with relevant learning materials to
ensure students have an access to correct information on climate change. The
teachers should be in- serviced to able to effectively teach climate change topics.
The integrated environmental education should be reviewed to include more
climate change topics. Further research on students awareness and sources of
climate change information in other counties, how the media influence students
perception of global climate change, teachers awareness of climate change issues
in other county and efforts made by different institution in creating climate
change awareness in Kenya.
Description
Department of Environmental Education,117p. 2014, QC 981.8 .C5M8