ABSTRACT
This study examined the impact of place-based learning on knowledge and attitude towards waste management among university of Benin students. Two research questions were raised to guide the study with two hypotheses formulated to guide this study as well.
The quasi experimental research design was adopted for this study and the purposive sampling technique was used to select 50 (fifty) undergraduate students in the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education. Data was collected from the 50 respondents using an open ended questionnaire with twenty (20) items. The data collected was analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistics.
Based on the data collected and analyzed, it was discovered that that place-based learning does have a significant impact on students' knowledge of waste management at the University of Benin. However, from the hypotheses tested it was further observed that that place-based learning does not have a significant impact on students' attitudes toward waste management at the University of Benin. It was therefore concluded that it is crucial to incorporate experiential learning strategies, like PBL, into environmental education programs in order to enhance students' comprehension of waste management. PBL programs should, however, be maintained over time and supplemented by community involvement, policy backing, and infrastructure advancements in order to produce significant attitudinal change. Long-term therapies, behavioral reinforcement techniques, and outside variables that affect students' attitudes about trash management should all be investigated in future studies. PBL has the ability to support long-term behavioral change in sustainable waste management methods in addition to information development by encouraging ongoing engagement and practical implementation. It was recommended that universities should incorporate sustained PBL activities into their environmental education curricula. Long-term engagement in real-world waste management projects, such as recycling programs and waste audits, can reinforce knowledge and gradually influence students’ attitudes. Also partnerships between universities, local governments, and environmental organizations should be encouraged to provide students with opportunities for active participation in community-based waste management initiatives.
