Bridging the Gap: Profiling Environmental Literacy Dimensions among Pre-Service Chemistry Teachers

Authors

  • Ayu Ashari Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Makassar State University
  • Faathir Almur Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Makassar State University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30736/seaj.v8i1.1362

Keywords:

Environmental Literacy, Pre-Service Chemistry Teachers, Knowledge Action Gap

Abstract

This study aims to measure the environmental literacy of prospective chemistry teacher students, focusing on three main aspects: knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. This study was conducted on prospective chemistry teacher students from a state university in Makassar. The study population was all students from the class of 2025, consisting of six classes. The sample was selected using purposive sampling based on the criteria of students currently studying chemistry education. The sample size of this study involved 73 prospective chemistry teacher students from three classes of the class of 2025. Data collection was conducted using a questionnaire distributed to prospective chemistry teacher students via Google Form. The data collection instrument met the reliability test with a value of >0.70 using the Cronbach Alpha test and obtained the knowledge aspect with a value of 0.935, attitude with a value of 0.913, and behavior with 0.873. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. The results showed that the knowledge aspect had an average score of 64.27% in the medium category. The student attitude aspect obtained an average score of 79.04%, which is in the high category. Meanwhile, for behavior, the average score of 81.48% is in the high category. Although students have positive attitudes toward sustainability and are beginning to adopt pro-environmental behaviors, a gap remains between knowledge and behavior. This research recommends strengthening the chemistry curriculum and conducting research on improving environmental literacy, particularly in the knowledge aspect. Furthermore, a qualitative study is needed to determine why behavior is significantly higher than knowledge.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Abbass, K., Qasim, M. Z., Song, H., Murshed, M., Mahmood, H., & Younis, I. (2022). A review of the global climate change impacts, adaptation, and sustainable mitigation measures. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(28), 42539–42559. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-19718-6

Fatharani, A., Madlazim, M., Anggaryani, M., Satriawan, M., & Septaria, K. (2026). Learning from Earthquakes: The Role of Socio-Scientific Issues in Developing Students’ Science Argumentation Skills. Prisma Sains : Jurnal Pengkajian Ilmu Dan Pembelajaran Matematika Dan IPA IKIP Mataram, 14(1), 123–143. https://doi.org/10.33394/j-ps.v14i1.16362

Hendratmoko, A. F., Fauziah, A. N. M., Susiyawati, E., Astriani, D., Nurita, T., Martini, ... & Boey, A. (2026). Integrating ChatGPT-driven self-assessment and Debate Based on Inquiry Learning (DBOIL) to enhance students’ argumentation skills: Leveraging AI for quality science learning aligned with SDG 4. In E3S Web of Conferences (Vol. 696, p. 02005). EDP Sciences.

Abubakar, M. Y., Haladu, M., Titilayo, O. A., & Adam, A. B. (2024). Effect and Remediation of Environmental Pollution on the Concept of Chemistry - Review. African Journal of Sciences and Traditional Medicine, 1(1), 440–449. https://doi.org/10.58578/ajstm.v1i1.3726

Akhmetova, A. I., Mukazhanova, R. A., Aitpayeva, A. K., Urazova, M. B., Jamoldinova, O. R., & Khodjaev, B. K. (2025). An examination of pre-service teachers’ environmental attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 21(6), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/16415

Al Idrus, S. W., & Rahmawati, R. (2021). Analisis Kemampuan Awal Literasi Lingkungan Mahasiswa dalam Pembelajaran Kimia Lingkungan. Anwarul, 1(1), 242–253. https://doi.org/10.58578/anwarul.v1i1.222

Alemari, K. S. M. (2016). Determination of Environmental Literacy Levels of University Students Studying on the Northern Cyprus (Master Thesis). Near East University. http://docs.neu.edu.tr/library/6505646652.pdf

Basheer, A., Gulacar, O., Sindiani, A., & Eilks, I. (2025). The Impact of an Intervention on Plastics and Bioplastics on Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Green Chemistry and Sustainability Awareness and Their Attitudes Toward Environmental Education. In Education Sciences (Vol. 15, Nomor 3). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15030322

Esa, N. (2010). Environmental knowledge, attitude and practices of student teachers. International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, 19(1), 39–50. https://doi.org/10.1080/10382040903545534

Ghozali. (2021). Aplikasi Analisis Multivariate Dengan Program IBM SPSS 23. In Badan Penerbit Universitas Diponegoro.

Goulgouti, A., Plakitsi, A., & Stylos, G. (2019). Environmental Literacy: Evaluating Knowledge, Affect, and Behavior of Pre-service Teachers in Greece. Interdisciplinary Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.29333/ijese/6287

Hollweg, K. S., Taylor, Bybee, J. R., Marcinkowski, R. W., Mcbeth, T. J., & Zoido, W. C. (2011). Developing a Framework for Assessing Environmental Literacy. In North American Association for Environmental Education. https://cdn.naaee.org/sites/default/files/devframewkassessenvlitonlineed

Jianyang, Z., & Cao, A. (2025). The Psychological Mechanisms of Education for Sustainable Development: Environmental Attitudes, Self-Efficacy, and Social Norms as Mediators of Pro-Environmental Behavior Among University Students. Sustainability, 17(3), 933. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030933

Liu, R. (2024). The pollution and the ecological influence of chemical and industrial waste. In Science and Technology of Engineering, Chemistry and Environmental Protection (Vol. 1, Nomor 10). https://doi.org/10.61173/31edmx39

McBeth, W., & Volk, T. (2009). The national environmental literacy project: A baseline study of middle grade students in the United States. Journal of Environmental Education, 41(1), 55–67. https://doi.org/10.1080/00958960903210031

Mellyzar, M., Nahadi, N., Rochintaniawati, D., Riandi, R., Hernani, H., Supriatna, A., & Lee, T. T. (2025). Is higher education curriculum prepare to support sustainable environmental chemistry learning? Journal of Environment and Sustainability Education, 3(3), 414–434. https://doi.org/10.62672/joease.v3i3.100.

Downloads

Published

2026-05-26

How to Cite

Ashari, A., & Almur, F. (2026). Bridging the Gap: Profiling Environmental Literacy Dimensions among Pre-Service Chemistry Teachers. Science Education and Application Journal, 8(1), 97–103. https://doi.org/10.30736/seaj.v8i1.1362

Similar Articles

1 2 3 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.