Teachers’ Perceptions of the Impacts of Environmental Science on Children’s Environmental Behaviors in Lower Primary Classes in Botswana

This study was conducted to assess teachers’ perceptions of the impacts of environmental science on children’s environmental behaviors. The aim of environmental science is to teach children responsible environmental behaviors at a tender age. Research has shown that personal environmental behaviors and actions established at a tender age are often carried out through adulthood, hence the introduction of Environmental Science (ES) in Lower Primary Classes.

One hundred and fifty teachers who taught lower primary classes participated in the study. Since children spend more time with teachers in schools, it was found appropriate to assess their perceptions of children’s environmental behaviors. Given that teachers are providers of knowledge on environmental issues, their perceptions regarding the impacts of environmental science on children’s environmental behaviors is considered critical. Two instruments designed for this study were used to collect data, namely a questionnaire consisting of seventeen items and an open ended interview schedule consisting of eight items.

The results of the study suggest that children’s environmental behaviors have changed much. Children in lower primary classes now possess favorable environmental behaviors suggesting the impacts of ES after thirteen years of its inception. Seventy-seven (77%) teachers reported that children in lower primary classes have pro-environmental behaviors while twenty-three percent (33%) of teachers reported children in lower primary classes have unfavorable pro-environmental behaviors.

From the findings, it could be concluded that Botswana’s fragile ecosystem would be sustained for future generation because its future citizens possess responsible environmental behaviors. The subjects of the study reported that responsible environmental behaviors should start at home where parents, siblings nurture children’s environmental behaviors. In conclusion suggestions on ways of promoting responsible environmental behaviors are made in the hope of conserving Botswana’s fragile ecosystem.