Conservation Education in Schools Shows Mixed Results

Recent research conducted by the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath reveals that while conservation education activities in schools increase children’s understanding of environmental issues, they don’t necessarily lead to attitude change. The study, published in Oryx, emphasizes the need for careful evaluation of conservation educational programs to ensure they achieve their intended goals.

With urbanization and technological advances reducing children’s exposure to nature, conservationists have been promoting educational initiatives to enhance their awareness of environmental concerns. However, the research suggests that these efforts might not always result in changed attitudes or increased involvement in protecting the environment.

The study was conducted in collaboration with the Maio Biodiversity Foundation (FMB) in Maio, Cape Verde, focusing on schoolchildren from the island. The research assessed the impact of a one-time classroom activity on students’ knowledge of local environmental issues, as well as their attitudes and aspirations.

The activity aimed to increase awareness of the island’s wetland habitat, home to unique wildlife species. Although the activity effectively improved children’s knowledge and awareness of environmental issues, it didn’t lead to significant changes in their attitudes toward animals and wildlife.

Romy Rice, a PhD student at the Milner Centre for Evolution, emphasized the importance of evaluating educational activities and not assuming that increased knowledge will automatically lead to solving environmental problems. Rice suggested that careful planning and assessment of activities are crucial to achieving desired objectives.

The study’s findings highlight the complex relationship between education and attitude change in the context of conservation. As conservation education is seen as a tool to influence positive attitudes toward the environment across generations, researchers are now considering whether field trips might have a greater impact than classroom activities.

-Re-reported from the article originally published in ANI