The Needs of Geo-Education Module for Trainee Teachers: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

This needs analysis study was undertaken to obtain a preview of the acceptance of Geo-Education Module as a new module in environmental education. This study focused on the needs of module building, the importance of knowing the natural ecosystem, the need for exposure to natural disasters and sustainable lifestyles. This study used a mixed method that combined quantitative and qualitative data. This design of quantitative research involved a survey through questionnaires distributed online. A total of 192 trainee teachers from the Institute for Teacher Education and Public University located in the north of peninsular Malaysia were selected. While the qualitative study involved interviews with five study participants. The findings showed that this module is in high demand for teaching environmental education and were important in providing information to teachers and students. The findings also indicated that the majority of respondents were aware of the aspects of environmental protection that are important to be applied in various fields of study. The importance of creating materials or modules that touch on current aspects is an ongoing step in developing future strategies for preparing for any natural disaster. The implications of developing modules in the current context were discussed in this study.