THE CONNECTION BETWEEN COGNITIVE AND AFFECTIVE DIMENSIONS OF PLANT AWARENESS IN RELATION TO UNDERSTANDING THE COOLING FUNCTIONS OF VEGETATION

Abstract

Plant Awareness is a multidimensional construct that reflects the level of an individual’s perception, understanding, and valuation of plants. Enhancing Plant Awareness is vital for conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainability, given the frequent neglect of plants’ ecological roles. This study analyzes the relationship between the cognitive (knowledge) and affective (attitudes) dimensions of Plant Awareness, influenced by a teaching intervention focused on the role of plants in cooling the local climate. Using a pre-test/post-test and experimental/control group design, 201 Czech students aged 13–15 engaged in project-based learning. The experimental group measured the cooling effect of the plants in the field using thermovision, while the control group received information solely in the classroom from the teacher. For the study, a self-constructed instrument to measure attitudes towards plants was developed (Cronbach’s α=.85/.86). Results indicated a significant positive correlation between knowledge and attitudes after intervention, highlighting the interconnectedness of these dimensions of Plant Awareness. The experimental group demonstrated improvements in both dimensions, whereas the control group showed only slight knowledge gains and a decline in attitudes. This study emphasizes the necessity of integrating climate-related functions of vegetation into education through hands-on experiences and modern technology to foster Plant Awareness.