Environmental Mental Models of Pre-service Science Educators

This qualitative study aims to assess the Environmental Mental Models of fourth-year preservice science educators at the University of Mindanao and to investigate whether their experiences in nature helped shape their EMMs. There were ten participants for this study. The data were collected through DAET, DAET-R, and in-depth interviews, and purposive sampling was applied. The study found that the fourth-year preservice science educators did not completely understand the environment, even though they included some of its factors. Five (5) participants did not consider humans as part of the environment. Their experiences in nature include both campus-based and off-campus field activities. As future science educators, they already have a correct understanding of the environment; however, it is incomplete. They have also recognized the importance of protecting the environment through activities such as tree planting and coastal cleanups.

environmental mental models, preservice science educators, DAET, DAET-R, Philippine

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