Teacher Candidates' Attitudes, Knowledge Levels and Sensitivities towards Environmental Problems

Abstract

A people without children would face a hopeless future; a country without trees is almost as helpless (Theodore Roosevelt). Humans both have been affected by environmental events and have affected their environments by a variety of activities since man has been on earth. However, because of the lack of population for a long time and the absence of technology that can fight nature, people have contended with those given by nature and lived harmony with nature. As technology began to progress rapidly with the industrial revolution, humans have preferred to dominate it rather than being a part of natural balance. Human pressure on natural environment has been increased because of this preference. This increase has led the excessive use of natural resources and to environmental problems. The most effective solution to the problems seems that environmental literacy gives individuals. The aim of this study is to assess the teacher candidates' attitudes, knowledge levels and sensitivities towards environmental problems.

Keywords: environmental problems, environmental literacy, teacher candidates.