Participating in an environmental education programme : comparisons and differences

This study was aimed at determining whether participating in an environmental education programme (GLOBE) was positively reflected in participants' environmental awareness, concern and level of environmentally responsible behaviour. An ecologically homogeneous sample consisting of 22 Grade 8 GLOBE participants and 24 non-GLOBE participants was selected. Pearson correlation coefficients and t-tests were employed to compare the research groups. GLOBE programme participants had stronger concerns and took more positive actions toward the environment than those who did not participate in the GLOBE programme. However, those participating in the GLOBE programme were not more exposed to environmental information than respondents not taking part in the GLOBE programme. Analyses of the GLOBE participants' responses in terms of gender and place of residence yielded no significant differences. It is recommended that specific attention to initial motivations for participation / non-participation in the GLOBE programme be considered in follow-up investigations.