Attitude of prospective teachers towards environmental education in relation to gender, locale and stream

Environmental degradation and climate change are global phenomena where actions in one part of the world impact ecosystems and populations across the globe. The environmental and climate crises can be significantly reduced by altering only the conduct of individuals and communities. We may alter our lifestyle and develop enduring environmentally friendly habits, knowledge, skills, attitude, ethics etc. For ensuring such, education can be a great tool. In this regard Environmental Education (EE) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is one defined field of specialization which directly deals with environmental conservation and protection. Also, it is too much important that environmental education should be taught effectively to the students. To impart environmental education, teachers as well as prospective teachers can play a major role in creating environmental consciousness and awareness amongst students. They play a major role in the present scenario for inculcating a positive outlook towards our environment. The present research determines the attitude of the prospective teachers towards the Environment Education i.e., what prospective teachers understand and know about environmental education and to determine whether the different factors like stream, gender, and locale influences the attitude of the prospective teachers towards environmental education. Data was gathered from the sample of 200 prospective teachers studying at different B.Ed. colleges of Jammu district using Attitude Scale towards Environmental education developed and validated by Dr. Anjali Suhane. Analysis was performed using percentage and t-test. Findings revealed that majority of the prospective teachers are aware about the concept of Environmental Education and have a favourable attitude towards environment but still there is a much need and responsibility of all educational institutions to view and promote Environmental Education.