Environmental awareness among High School Students: A study in Majuli District of Assam, India

Abstract

Rapid industrialization, overexploitation of natural resources and use of environmentally abhorrent materials have caused detectable environmental disruptions which have threatened the life support system. Environment can be protected only by creating awareness among the people so that it becomes part of their lifestyle. Environmental Awareness means showing interest towards environment or environmental problem. It implies not only understanding about environment but also attitude, principles and abilities which are essential for solving environmental problems. Moreover, environmental awareness helps in inculcating responsible behaviour among citizens. The present study is an attempt to study the environmental awareness of high school students with respect to gender and medium of instruction. The present study has used Descriptive research method. 160 students of Majuli district (Assam) were selected as sample of the study. In the present study the researcher has used random sampling technique. Environment Awareness Ability Measure (EAAM) tool prepared by Dr Praveen Kumar Jha was used in the study. The data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics like t test. The results revealed that the level of Environmental Awareness of high school students was above average. High school students differ significantly in environmental awareness with regard to the gender. Female high school students showed low environmental awareness among them in comparison to their male counterparts. The study also found that high school students studying in Assamese medium schools have a higher level of awareness regarding the environment in comparison to high school students studying in English medium schools