Assessment of environmental awareness, attitudes and behaviours of undergraduate social studies students of University of Education, Winneba.

Abstract

The study sought to assess the environmental attitudes and behaviours of undergraduate students of the Social Studies Department in the University of Education Winneba, and to determine whether there is correspondence between their environmental awareness and attitudes on one hand and their environmental behaviour on the other. The study adopted the descriptive approach. The target population of the study was 2567 undergraduate students offering social studies in the University of Education, Winneba. Out of the target population, two hundred and forty (240) students were sampled using simple random technique to constitute the sample for the study. Data was collected using questionnaire. The data was analyzed with frequency, percentages, means, standard deviation and correlation. The findings revealed that students have moderate awareness about their environment and health issues in their communities. They also hold positive attitude towards their environment. It is concluded that there exists a correspondence between the environmental attitude of the students and their environmental behaviour. It was recommended that the head of department of Social Studies Education should routinely arrange education and sensitization campaigns among the undergraduate students. These programmes should be designed to educate students about environmental awareness and strategies to preserve a healthy, tranquil environment.