It is well known that human behaviour causes environmental issues at the local, regional and global level. Therefore, it is very important to encourage a responsible attitude of modern society towards environment and to... [ view full abstract ]
It is well known that human behaviour causes environmental issues at the local, regional and global level. Therefore, it is very important to encourage a responsible attitude of modern society towards environment and to educate children as early as possible in order to raise their awareness about the importance of preserving the nature and environment. Environmental education is one of the possible ways to make the changes that are necessary in today’s world.
It is essential to adapt environmental education to fit the needs of the society and time we live in. In that way, we directly influence the improvement of the quality of education and life of individuals and society in general.
In Croatian schools, environmental education is not emphasized enough. It is mainly being conducted through the Croatian National Curriculum, school subjects’ lessons, and various programs and projects in which schools participate on their own initiative.
Hence, the aim of this study is to examine the attitudes of third-grade elementary school pupils towards nature and to determine their impact on the level of environmental awareness of pupils in Eco-Schools and non-Eco-Schools, taking into account the gender of the examinees.
The connection between pupils and nature has been examined through four aspects of their relationship: a) enjoying nature, b) empathy towards living beings in nature, c) the feeling of affiliation, and d) the sense of responsibility.
The results of the study can be useful to researchers, serving as the basis for new studies, to theorists, serving as an insight into the practice of environmental education, and to practiotioners, serving as a guideline for the improvement of their own practice. Information will help parents, teachers and local community to optimise the effectiveness of the methods, procedures and programs used in the development of environmental awareness and positive attitude towards nature.
