LUSAKA, ZAMBIA SCIENCE TEACHERS' OPINIONS ON BIODIVERSITY

Queen Willombe, Hasan Genç, Taha Çakır, Huriye Deniş Çeliker

Abstract


This study aims to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and opinions of secondary school science teachers working in Lusaka, Zambia, regarding biological diversity. The conservation of biodiversity is recognized as a fundamental component of sustainable environmental education, and teachers’ competencies in this area are of critical importance for fostering public awareness. The research was conducted using a qualitative research design, and semi-structured interviews were carried out with 30 science teachers from eight different secondary schools in Lusaka. The data obtained were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that while teachers possess limited knowledge of the scientific foundations of biodiversity, they exhibit a high level of awareness regarding its value and conservation. Furthermore, the teachers were able to identify both anthropogenic and natural threats to biodiversity and offered educational, legal, and societal recommendations for its preservation. In this context, the study is expected to contribute to the enhancement of biodiversity education and the development of teacher training programs.

 

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Keywords


biodiversity, science teachers, environmental education, Zambia, teacher perspectives

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v12i9.6193

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