Environmental awareness and concern of primary school children

Abstract

A survey on the concern and knowledge of the national and global environment in state and private primary schools. This was in the form of a written questionnaire, used with the permission of the University of Bradford, and was conducted on 458 Maltese students between the age of eight and eleven years; between March and May 1996. Pupils coming from the five census regions of Malta were represented in the sample. The results were analysed for statistical significance and compared with results of a similar survey carried out among post primary students. Results were also compared with results from the European wide EUROSURVEY. It was found that on the whole, primary school pupils are very concerned about the environment. Pupils in general view the environment as being made up of 'natural aspects', and that it is detached from their immediate experience. Although environmental issues are sometimes discussed at school, evidence suggests that schools are not being very effective in imparting knowledge on environmental issues.