Effects of learning environmental management concepts on secondary school pupils in Machakos County, Kenya
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Date
2012-05
Authors
Muthiani, Nelson Timothy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
In Kenya, the integration of environmental concepts into the school curriculum was
effected in 1985. The goal of the study was to assess and determine secondary school
pupils' understanding of environmental management concepts infused in the
Secondary School Curriculum in Kenya, and how they act to improve their
environment. The influence of sex and the school environment on pupils'
understanding of environmental management concepts was examined. The study
investigated forms three and four pupils' grasp and understanding of environmental
management concepts infused in various subjects in the secondary school curriculum
and its effect on their attitude toward the environment. This study was conducted in
Machakos County, Kenya. Random sampling was employed to select a total of 140
pupils (70 girls and 70 boys). Forty-two teachers of physical science, agriculture,
geography and biology, and fourteen school heads were selected for the study from
fourteen schools to determine the challenges to teaching and learning Environmental
Education in the secondary schools. The instruments for data collection were
structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion Guide and Observation Schedule.
Past Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination papers were also analysed for
Environmentai Education content in deforestation, overgrazing, soil erosion, air and
water pollution, depletion of energy resources, ecological disruption, loss of
biodiversity and environmental conservation among others which revealed that not
more than two Environmental Education questions appeared per year between 1995
and 2005 in science, agriculture and geography. Data analysis was done qualitatively
and quantitatively. A chi-square test revealed significant differential understanding
based on sex and school type (p = .05). However, the overall understanding of the
environmental concepts was rated moderate, even among the teachers. The study
recommended a refresher course for head teachers, in the short term, to improve the
management of the school plant and enhance its role as a learning resource for
Environmental Education. The study concludes that there is attainment of low to
moderate understanding of environmental management concepts and environmental
awareness, very positive attitude and desire to act for the welfare of the environment
among secondary school pupils.
Description
A thesis submitted to the school of environmental studies in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy of Kenyatta University. May, 2012