INFLUENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION ON STUDENTS' ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION BEHAVIOUR IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
Climate Change Education, Environmental Conservation Behaviour, Climate Change Awareness, Climate Change Knowledge.Abstract
This study examined the influence of climate change education on students' environmental conservation behaviour in secondary schools in Plateau State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised all senior secondary school students in public secondary schools in Plateau State. A sample of 600 students was drawn using a Stratified sampling procedure. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Climate Change Education and Environmental Conservation Behaviour Questionnaire (CCEECBQ). The instrument was validated by experts in Educational Management and Environmental Education, while a reliability coefficient of 0.87 was obtained using Cronbach's Alpha. Data were analysed using mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis at a 0.05 level of significance. The study findings revealed that climate change knowledge, awareness, attitudes, participation in climate change activities, and instructional practices significantly influenced students' environmental conservation behaviour. The study concluded that climate change education is a critical determinant of environmental conservation behaviour among secondary school students. The study recommended enhanced integration of climate change education into the school curriculum, teacher capacity development, and increased student participation in environmental activities.
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