Educação ambiental e sustentabilidade: atitudes e comportamentos ambientais no ensino fundamental ii da zona rural do município de Picos-PI

Abstract

Contemporary society around the world faces challenges due to superfluous and uncontrolled natural resources consumption, without a profitable environmental counterpart. Such intended approach features the need for a dialogue between distinct knowledge kinds, namely aiming to set up a critical mindset aligned with suitable resolution concerning environmental prospects. The lack of a robust educational approach on Environment and Sustainability points an existing gap, which justifies the pressure for strengthening Environmental Education (EE) as to empower citizens to solve problems related to natural resources and sustainability. The current work aims to examine the relationship between EE and Sustainability, focusing on students’ environmental attitudes patterns and behaviors from Picos rural area. The research lies on the Nossa Senhora dos Remédios Municipal School, based on Torrões Countryside, provided 34 8th-9th students. Methodological procedures are such that involve data collection, carried out through questionnaires. The results emerge from a mixed approach, considering both quantitative and qualitative procedures. Likert scale reliability is undertaken by means of Cronbach’s alpha, as well as Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon tests were considered as to analyze some differences between sample subgroups. Finally, a triangulation of the information issued from questionnaires applied to teachers, students and school’s management nucleus was carried out, as well as an analysis of information collected from the Community Health Agents (CHA) on socioeconomic and environmental aspects of the community. The main results reveal that NSRM School plays a prominent role in raising community awareness about local ecosystem. Analysis as for socioeconomic and environmental aspects of Torrões Countryside stresses a sort of interconnection between these factors and hence the need for educational actions, especially those related to sanitation and responsible water and waste management. It happens that awareness about the proper disposal of waste, along with promoting recycling, has emerged as a key tool for relieving environmental struggles. Comparative analysis concerning two tests accent differences in attitudes between 8th and 9th grade students, emphasizing the primary level inclusive EE status. Perception convergences among students, faculty, and management about EE reinforced the need for a holistic approach. As consequence, these results put fingers on EE significance regarding formation of new citizens, establishing a dialogue between environmental attitudes and behaviors. This work offers significant contributions to the existing scientific literature by analyzing the complex interplay between socioeconomic, environmental, and educational factors. Findings indicate specific educational strategies effectiveness in promoting awareness and sustainable practices. In another words, this current work not only increases its academic field, but also provides practical guidance for educators, policymakers, and local communities, as well as pointing the urgency to integrate EE as a priority in education and environmental policies, recognizing its crucial role in promoting a sustainable future.