The Environmental Knowledge and Attitudes of Prospective Teachers in Lebanon: A Comparative Study

Abstract

This paper presents data arising from a study of final-year primary and secondary teaching students in Lebanon using an equivalent Australian sample as a comparative reference group. It was found that the Lebanese students lagged behind their Australian counterparts with respect to their knowledge of global environmental issues, and displayed a narrower awareness of national environmental issues. Despite higher scores on the environmental attitudes scale that was administered, they were more likely to be sceptical about the potential of school environmental education to inculcate environmentally responsible attitudes and behaviour. Recommendations focus on boosting the profile of environmental education at school and pre-service teacher education levels in Lebanon.