Abstract
Environmental education plays a pivotal role in fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world and promoting positive attitudes towards environmental conservation. This study investigates the influence of environmental education on the knowledge and attitudes of students at the University of Benin concerning the benefits of trees. The research aims to assess the effectiveness of environmental education programs in enhancing students' comprehension of the importance of trees, as well as their willingness to engage in tree-related conservation activities.
A quasi-experimental research design was used for this study. And the study population consisted of The 100L students of health, safety and environmental education which consist of 50 students and 45 students for the department of human kinetics and sports science 100L and this information was obtained from their class representatives. A total number of 25 students were selected for each category thereby making up a total of 50 respondents (25 students in the experimental group and 25 students in the control group) using a purposive sampling technique . The instrument for data collection was a well-designed structured questionnaire which was validated by the project Supervisor and two other lecturers from the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental education. Collated data was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequency and percentage tables.
The findings of this study revealed that environmental education programs have a significant impact on enhancing students' knowledge about the benefits of trees, including their role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem services provision. Furthermore, the study demonstrated a positive shift in students' attitudes towards trees, with an increased willingness to participate in tree planting and conservation initiatives. Factors such as prior exposure to environmental education, personal experiences with trees, and the influence of peers and instructors were identified as key drivers of these positive changes
The implications of these findings are profound, as they highlight the importance of incorporating environmental education into the curriculum of educational institutions. By fostering a greater understanding of the benefits of trees and encouraging pro-environmental attitudes, students are more likely to become active participants in environmental conservation efforts. This research contributes to the body of knowledge on the role of education in shaping sustainable behaviors and underscores the need for continued investment in environmental education programs to address pressing environmental challenges.
