An Examination of Preschool Teacher Candidates’ Environmental Perceptions, Attitudes, and Behaviors in Terms of Various Variables

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine preschool teacher candidates’ levels of perception, attitudes, and behaviors toward the environment in terms of demographic and educational variables. The study was conducted using a descriptive survey model within the framework of a quantitative research approach. The study group consisted of 144 preschool teacher candidates studying at a public university located in the Mediterranean Region of Türkiye. The research data were collected through a personal information form and a measurement instrument assessing the dimensions of environmental perception, attitude, and behavior. Descriptive statistics, an independent samples t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used in the analyses. The findings revealed that preschool teacher candidates had high levels of environmental perception, positive environmental attitudes, and moderate-to-high levels of environmental behaviors. There were no significant differences found in pre-service teachers’ levels of environmental perception, attitudes, and behaviors based on the variables of gender and membership in any civil society organization. However, environmental attitudes differed significantly based on place of residence; perception levels by grade level; attitude and behavior levels by age. In addition, perception, attitude, and behavior levels varied significantly according to whether the participants had taken an environmental studies course. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating environmental education more systematically and comprehensively into teacher education programs to strengthen environmental awareness, attitudes, and responsible behaviors among future teachers.