Teachers' Perceptions, Attitudes, And Experiences Toward the Integration of Environmental Education in the Science Curriculum: Context of Pandemic

In the context of the education paradigm, it is crucial to consider how education can be used to manage the enormous changes in the environment and biodiversity that cause exponential degradation, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. In this regard, the main objective of this study was to analyze the selected science teachers’ perceptions, attitudes, and experiences toward the integration of environmental education in the curriculum through online distance learning modality amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. This study utilized both survey and case study designs to understand the process of environmental education integration into the science curriculum by 32 science teachers from 8 junior high schools in Dasmarinas City, Cavite which were selected through purposive sampling. Quantitative results revealed that science teacher respondents integrated environmental education during the pandemic. From the data gathered from participants on how to integrate environmental education, the majority (53%) of respondents agreed that they introduce environmental themes or topics which are most of the time encountered in real-life scenarios. While 66% also mentioned that they prepare appropriate teaching materials about the environment. Further, 63% said they integrate EE in the learning process using a variety of learning methods.

From the qualitative data analysis, themes drawn related to the science teachers' perceptions include 1) impressions and understanding of EE, 2) benefiting from EE integration in science amidst the pandemic, and 3) balancing the values and drawbacks of EE integration amidst the pandemic. Additional themes that emerged based on the attitudes and experiences of science teachers include 1) pedagogical strategies, methods, and resources to integrate EE in science teaching; 2) confronting the issues on EE integration amidst the pandemic; 3) initiating best practices for EE integration in the science curriculum, and 4) advocating for an intensified EE integration in science amidst the pandemic. Finally, the researcher suggests viable ways to promote the integration of environmental education into the science curriculum using the online distance learning modality.