Development of Pre-service Science Teachers’ Environmental Literacy through Active Learning Modules on Environment

Main Article Content

Jeerawan Ketsing
Pongprapan Pongsophon
Chatree Faikhamta
Boonsatien Boonsoong
Tongta Somchaipeng

Abstract

This study aims to develop Enrironmental literacy (EL) for pre-service science teachers by using environmental active learning modules designed to actively engage the learners in the learning activities in four dimensions: physical, intellectual, emotional, and social engagements. The study was undertaken under a Research & Design model. The participants were six pre-service science teachers who enrolled in the environmental education course at a public university in Bangkok. The active learning modules include the STEM BCG learning approach, game-based learning with board games, socio-scientific issue-based learning, and place-based learning. Data were collected from an environmental literacy test. Analyze the data by calculating the average EL score for all students and determining the standard deviation. Compare the average scores before and after class, then categorize students' scores into EL levels. Findings show that all participants had a high and moderate level of EL after learning from the modules, and the mean score on the EL after experiencing the four modules was higher than the mean score before the learning. Though the pre-service teachers’ EL level tends to improve, the areas that have limited improvement are environmental behavior and basic knowledge about the environment.

Article Details

How to Cite
Ketsing, J. . ., Pongsophon, P. ., Faikhamta, C. ., Boonsoong, B., & Somchaipeng, T. (2024). Development of Pre-service Science Teachers’ Environmental Literacy through Active Learning Modules on Environment. Journal of Education, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus, 35(2), 27–41. retrieved from https://so02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/edupsu/article/view/263146
Section
Research Articles

References

Best, J. W. (1977). Research in Education. (3rd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Brame, C. (2016). Active learning. Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching. https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/active-learning/

Cambridge Assessment International Education. (2020). Active Learning. https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/271174-active-learning.pdf

Campbell, K. (2014). Get your students moving. AMLE Magazine, 1(7), 12–14.

Chawla, L. (1998). Significant life experiences revisited: A review of research on sources of environmental sensitivity. The Journal of Environmental Education, 29(3), 11-21

Detyothin, O., Singsriwo, A., & Suksringarm, P. (2017). The development of environmental literacy of Mattayomsuksa 3 students using the project-based teaching with problem-solving thinking. Journal of Education Naresuan University, 19(2), 305-317. [in Thai]

Edwards, S. (2015). Active learning in the middle grades. Middle School Journal, May 2015, 26-32.

Gifkins, J. (2015). What Is ‘Active Learning’ and Why Is It Important?. https://www.e-ir.info/2015/10/08/what-is-active-learning-and-why-is-it-important/

Idros, S. N. S. (2006). Exploring environmental behaviours, attitudes, and knowledge among university students: Positioning the concept of sustainable development within Malaysian education. Journal of Science and Mathematics Education in South East Asia. 29(1), 79-97.

Kanjanawasee, S. (2016). Research and development for Thai education. Silpakorn Educational Research Journal, 8(2), 1-18. [in Thai]

Kaya, V. H. & Elster, D. (2018). German students’ environmental literacy in science education based on PISA data. Science Education International, 29(2), 75-87.

Ketsing, J. (2015). Preservice science teachers’ environmental attitudes and behaviors. Kasetsart Journal (Social Sciences), 36(2), 297-307. [in Thai]

Ketsing, J. (2016). Environmental education course for improving pre-service science teachers’ environmental attitudes and behaviors. Songklanakarin Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 22(2), 215-252. [in Thai]

Ketsing, K., Pongsophon, P., Faikhamta, C., Boonsoong, B., & Somchaipeng, T. (2025). Development of per-service science teachers’ teaching skills through active learning modules on environment. Journal of Rangsit University: Teaching & Learning, 19(1). in press. [in Thai]

Ketsing, J., Inoue, N., & Buczynski, S. (2020). Enhancing pre-service teachers’ reflective quality on inquiry-based teaching through a community of practice. Science Education International, 31(4), 367-378.]

Khaikeaw, S., Haemaprasith, S., Chaivisuthangkura, P., & Kanyaprasit, K. (2014). The development of integrated environmental education curriculum with emphasis on outdoor learning resources in Phuket province to promote environmental literacy of upper secondary school students. Journal of Education Burapha University, 25(1), 50-63. [in Thai]

Khaopray, A. & Keawurai, W. (2020). The curriculum development based on authentic instruction to enhance the ability in environmental education instruction of teacher students in Rajabhat university. Journal of Education Naresuan University, 22(3), 308-323. [in Thai]

Khiaolueang, W., Kijkuakul, S., & Nakkuntod, M. (2019). Using science technology society and environment (STSE) approach to enhance environmental literacy in human and environmental sustainability for twelfth grade students. Journal of Education Naresuan University, 23(2), 257-268. [in Thai]

Larrivee, B. (2008). Meeting the challenge of preparing reflective practitioners. The New Educator, 4(2), 87-106.

Liu, S-Y, Yeh, S-C, Liang, S-W, Fang, W-T & Tsai, H-M (2015). A national investigation of teachers’ environmental literacy as a reference for promoting environmental education in Taiwan. The Journal of Environmental Education, 46(2), 114-132.

Lloyd-Strovas, J., Moseley, C., & Arsuffi, T. (2017). Environmental literacy of undergraduate college students: Development of the environmental literacy instrument (ELI). School Science and Mathematics, 118, 84-92.

Lotter, C. R., & Miller, C. (2017). Improving inquiry teaching through reflection on practice. Research in Science Education, 47, 913-942.

MGRonline. (2023). European winter heatwave! Warning signs of extreme weather events in 2023. https://mgronline.com/greeninnovation/detail/9660000001777

Office of the Education Council, Ministry of Education. (2020). Competency–based Active Learning. 21 Century Print Press. [in Thai]

Oonnang, K. (2021). Effects of using active learning management on learning achievement, learning management skill and attitude towards teaching profession. CMU Journal of Education, 5(2), 15-24. [in Thai]

Pe’er, S., Goldman, D., & Yavetz, B. (2007). Environmental literacy in teacher training: Attitude, knowledge, and environmental behavior of beginning students. The Journal of Environmental Education, 39(1), 45-59.

Pekrun, R. (2014). Emotions and Learning. Educational Practices Series. International Academy of Education.

Phengsawat, W. (2009). Research and development. Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University Journal, 1(2), 1-12. [in Thai]

Piaget, J. (1961). The genetic approach to the psychology of thought. Journal of Educational Psychology, 52(6), 275-281.

Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (2022). Thailand State of Pollution Report 2021. Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. [in Thai]

Roth, C. E. (1992). Environmental Literacy: Its Roots, Evolution and Directions in the 1990s. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED348235.pdf

Saribas, D., Kucuk, Z. D., & Ertepinar, H. (2017). Implementation of an environmental education course to improve pre-service elementary teachers’ environmental literacy and self-efficacy beliefs. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 26(4), 311-326.

Spiropoulou, D., Antonakaki, T., Kontaxaki, S., & Bouras, S. (2007). Primary teachers’ literacy and attitudes on education for sustainable development. Journal of Science Education Technology, 16, 443-450.

Spring news. (2023). Australia experiences worst flooding in 100 years from Tropical Cyclone Ellie. https://www.springnews.co.th/keep-the-world/834148

Tanma, S., Sawangmek, S., & Nangngam, P. (2020). Developing problem-based learning approach with role playing for encourage environmental literacy in Photosynthesis Matthayomsuksa 5 students. Journal of Education Naresuan University, 22(4), 268-279. [in Thai]

Thai PBS. (2022). The United States faces unprecedented snowstorms| New Day Thai PBS. https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKVP3WAWuDA

UNESCO. (2015). Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda

UNESCO-UNEP. (1978). The Tbilisi declaration. Connect, 3(1), 1-8.

Vygotsky, L.S. (1978). Mind in Society. Harvard University Press.

World Commission on Environment and Development. (1987). Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future. Oxford University Press.

Yavetz, B. Goldman, D. & Pe’er, S. (2009). Environmental literacy of pre-service teachers in Israel: A comparison between students at the onset and end of their studies. Environmental Education Research, 15(4), 393-415.