Investigation of the interview as a measuring tool for the environmental illiteracy in Greece

Abstract

The purpose of this study was the pilot investigating into the effectiveness of interviews about of environmental’ illiteracy. The survey was conducted in children first and second class of High school. After the review of relevant literature and questionnaires that occasionally have used for environment we were led to the drafting of a structured interview. The interview examine six main lines, starting with introductory questions, questions investigating the knowledge and opinions of students about the environment, comprehensive questions about the children's attitudes, actions about their environmental sensitivity. From the research findings revealed that interviews are a very useful and effective tool, because they can lead to the formulation of alternative proposals for solving environmental issues. As the process of conducting was pilot, is proposed more and more extensive research, the results of which will contribute to the understanding and prevention of environmental literacy. Through this survey highlighted the great need for knowledge on environmental education and the proper choice of models for children. Take as positive the preference was shown by the students in the interview as a tool, it appears that further research in the future will give quite reliable results, in contrast with other methods, which from children were found boring and tedious. The examination of individual results according to the structure of the interview results in the export of valuable conclusions. Almost half of children separate some of the waste into recyclable and non. The children were ready to save energy and water and urge people to be recycling aware. Only ¼ of the students have discussed with their parents how to help on environmental problems. Regarding the environmental awareness of children rates given to questions such as whether they take part in family outings in the countryside and in camps, were low (10% -15%). The replies highlighted the great desire of children to take action for the environment, but at the same time the inertial in action the show in the environmental issues. The research concluded that the above comes from the indifference of most parents to be active and environmentally aware and active. In conclusion, it fully understood that through the interview process, each student has the opportunity to express free his personal opinion, without leading it to specific answers. Possibly a combination of methods could provide more reliable and detailed results.