Teachers' environmental pedagogical content knowledge in the teaching of environmental education from selected government aided primary schools in Adjumani west county, Adjumani District.

Abstract

This study investigated teachers’ environmental pedagogical content knowledge in the teaching of Environmental Education from selected government aided primary schools in Adjumani West County, Adjumani district. Specifically, the study sought to establish teachers’ environmental and pedagogical content knowledge and the relationship between teachers’ Environmental Knowledge and pedagogical knowledge. The study used a cross sectional design with mixed method approach. One hundred and ninety-six (196) teachers in twenty-eight (28) government aided primary schools were sampled. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires, observation guide, document analysis and interview guides. The quantitative data was analyzed using the SPSS. Descriptive data was analyzed using relative frequencies or percent statistical tool in SPSS. Pearson’s Linear Correlation was used to determine relationship between categories. The findings show that teachers have good environmental knowledge 65.7 % and pedagogical knowledge 63.9% to teach environmental education except ICT integration 25.8% and project 4.3% remained low. The study also found that, environmental content and environmental pedagogical knowledge had a positive significant relationship with teaching of environmental education. The study has shown that teachers possess the requisite environmental content and pedagogical knowledge to teach environmental education effectively in schools. The results of this study recommend in-service training, seminars, workshops and conferences on environmental issues and ICT integration to enrich teachers’ environmental pedagogical knowledge for effective teaching of environmental education. Further research in the environmental changes, attitude of teachers, climate change, attitudes of the community members, the nature of the available policies among others was recommended.