ASSESSMENT OF 5-6 YEARS OLD CHILDREN'S PERCEPTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify and assess the perception of environmental awareness and protection among preschool children (4-5-6 years old), and develop education programs accordingly. To that end, we carried out a survey that consisted of 46 questions by means of face to face question-answer method. To create environmental consciousness and raise awareness of environmental protection at an early age, it is very important to make a proper assessment of answers given to the questions about the role of education in the creation of environmental awareness and environmental protection, when and how such education should take place, and from where such education should be received to achieve higher efficiency. In this context, the answers to the aforementioned questions will help us develop healthy methods to create environmental consciousness, raise realistic, permanent awareness of environmental protection, and instill good habits. The subjects of the study were 37 children, who were attending research-based preschool institutions resident in the districts of Kiziltoprak-Erenkoy on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul. The children were at the same time attending regular preschool institutions. Within the scope of the study, we identified the parents' level of education as well as the children's perception levels about environment and environmental pollution (air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, soil, and recycling), information sources, lifestyles, and habits. The study revealed that, along with the parents' educational background, the education received from preschool institutions and mass media play a significant, efficient role in the creation of environmental consciousness and awareness of environmental protection among children, and that we need to develop more efficient means of education.