The forest as an ecosystem holds many different roles and functions, yet nowadays we can observe increasing changes of ecosystem functions, which can be partly attributed to human action. Education and awareness of the young are crucial in providing a sustainable development of our society. Upon starting primary school, pupils are introduced to biological and ecological contents, which is advanced and supplemented throughout their schooling. Despite many efforts in education about the values of ecosystem services and the preservation of the forest as an ecosystem, this subject matter is poorly researched; hence I wish to investigate the knowledge of primary-school children on forests and their attitude regarding the forest and the ecosystem services it provides.
Included in the survey were pupils of the 6th and 9th grade of five schools in the gorenjska region. A questionnaire and test sheets was filled by 380 pupils. In the empirical part I was investigating the viewpoints of pupils on ecosystem services with the aid of the questionnaire, investigating the knowledge of pupils on forest ecology via the test sheet and establishing the differences in knowledge on forest and the attitude towards the forest and its ecosystem services in relationship to the sex and age of the pupils. The research helped me establish the relation between knowledge and the viewpoints of pupils.
The research shows that most pupils visit the forest either once or a couple of times a week. Most do so in search of recreation, socializing and relaxation. I think the general knowledge of pupils on forest ecology is poor, as opposed to their attitude towards ecosystem services, which they find important or very important. Out of all ecosystem services, the pupils value support services of the forest the most, and cultural services the least. The research showed that the better the pupil’s knowledge, the higher the attitude levels were towards ecosystem services.
On average, girls achieved a higher score on the test than boys; however there were no significant distinction in attitude towards the ecosystem services with regards to sex, except in the case of the support services of the forest, which girls value more. The higher the age of the pupils, the better their knowledge on forest and their attitude towards the forest and the ecosystem services it provides.
Analysing the curriculums of natural science courses in primary schools that deal with ecology, I discovered that these subjects are present in the curriculums of primary school classes 1 to 9. These subjects are updated and expanded through the duration of the schooling. It is important that the teachers present this subject matter to the pupils since the onset by introducing them to the effects man has on the environment with examples out of everyday life, therefore encouraging their commitment to the preservation of the forest and its ecosystem services.
With this research I wish to emphasise the importance of teaching the young about ecology and encourage individuals to have a positive attitude towards the forest and its ecosystem services. The importance of this research is showing the state of knowledge on forest ecology and the attitude towards forest ecosystem services of primary school pupils. We should be aware of the poor state of our environment and, for its sake, strive for a positive attitude of individuals towards the environment.
|
