Abstract:

In this study the effect of the education of seventh grade students on ‘‘Domestic waste and recycling’’ based on the context-based learning approach on the environmental awareness and environmental sensitivity of the students was investigated. In the research, an experimental desing with pretest-posttest control groups, on of the quantitative research methods, was used. The study group of the research consists of a total of 42 students, 21 from the experimental group and 21 from the control group studying in the seventh grade in a city in the Mediterranean Region. Environmental awareness and environmental sensitivity scale was used as data collection tools in the study. The obtained data were analyzed by using the Paired-Samples t-test in the SPSS package program. According to the research findings; It was determined that the Life-Based Learning Approach applications created a positive difference in the mean scores of pollution awareness, saving awareness and recycling awareness of the experimental group students, and increased the mean scores of cognitive reactions, affective responses, and participation in activities. In addition, at the end of the study process, it was observed that the environmental awareness and environmental sensitivity gains of the experimental group students increased to a very good level. This study reveals that the use of Life-Based Learning Approach is more appropriate instead of traditional teaching methods in order to ensure that secondary school seventh grade students are fully conscious of the environment, the formation of environmental awareness, and this awareness and sensitivity.

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