The Asian Journal of Biology Education
Online ISSN : 1447-0209
Fostering Students’ Awareness and Attitudes toward River Environments: Development of a Diatom-Based Educational Program
Shigeki Mayama Kengo SatomiKazhuhiro KatohBalasubramanian KarthickMathew, L. JuliusHiroshi OmoriMegumi Saito-Kato
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2025 Volume 17 Pages 50-71

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Abstract

This study examined changes in students’ awareness of river environments and the formation of their behavioral attitudes through a diatom-based educational program implemented in secondary schools in India, Japan, and the United States. The program used past and present diatom specimens, river photographs, and the SimRiver simulator to help students understand the relationship between human activities and river water quality. Text mining analysis, using TWINSPAN and Correspondence Analysis, revealed a significant increase in environmental awareness among students after the lessons. The qualitative analysis of students’ responses revealed distinct patterns in their behavioral attitudes. In the Indian groups, a relatively high proportion of students exhibited autonomous and action-oriented attitudes. In contrast, Japanese students frequently showed concern for environmental issues, but their responses often reflected other-dependent thinking. Students in the U.S. group offered fewer behavior-related responses, which may be attributed to the favorable local environment, the geographical disconnect between the lesson materials and the students’ everyday surroundings, and the generally shorter nature of their written responses. The program demonstrated its effectiveness in raising students’ environmental awareness and supporting the development of attitudes toward action. Furthermore, incorporating historical and international comparisons appeared to promote the transition from awareness to action among students. These findings suggest that such lesson programs may serve as valuable contributions to education for Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).

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