An analysis of students' participation and attitudes towards environmental education in Siaya District, Western Kenya

Abstract

The study investigated outcomes of the implementation of environmental education ,.particularly student participation and attitudes towards Environmental Education in secondary schools in Siaya District of Western Kenya. The objectives of the study were to find out: if there was any relationship between the students' attitudes towards Environmental Education and the head teacher's background characteristics such as age, sex, and qualification; if there was any difference between the female and male students' attitudes towards Environmental Education; and if students in secondary schools participate in environment related activities. Descriptive survey design was used. Students' questionnaire and head teachers' interview guide were used to collect data. Validation was done by experts- in educational administration from Catholic University of Eastern Africa who read through the instruments. Reliability of the questionnaire was determined by split-half method. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data. The decision rule for rejecting or accepting Null Hypotheses was based on the probability value of O. 05 (p-value > 0.05 fail to reject the Null hypothesis). Recommendations: Head teachers can take advantage of positive attitudes of some of the students to encourage them to participate in maintaining quality environment. Head teachers can create positive attitudes towards the environment among students by being role models, and active involvement in creating awareness about environ¬ment through personal initiatives such as school cleanliness and tree planting