Attitudes Towards Science, Technology, and Environment: A Look from Higher Education Students Through the Roses Project

Abstract

Objective: the objective of this study is to investigate the attitudes towards S&T, the current environmental challenges, and the future of our planet of higher education students of two educational careers through the ROSES project.   Theoretical Framework: Attitudes are a fundamental component of our personality; the attitudes have a close and undeniable relationship with the teaching-learning process, as they underlie the moment of making a decision or trying to solve a problem.   Method: We investigate attitudes through the categories “Me and environmental challenges” and “My opinions about science and technology” from the ROSES questionnaire.   Results and Discussion:  Regarding the “Me and environmental challenges” scale, most of pre-service teachers showed favorable environmental attitudes. A lack of some knowledge was detected, such as the origin of environmental problems. Regarding “My opinions about science and technology”, both pre-service teachers and pedagogy students showed moderately positive attitudes.  The results of this work are of great relevance for the whole citizenship for they can make reasoned and informed decisions to solve the environmental problems that are within their reach, therefor it is important to have knowledge about the environment and S&T.   Research Implications: The results of this work are of great relevance so that all citizens can can improve learning, curriculum, textbooks, and classroom activities based on empirical results and thereby increase interest in S&T and its relationship to the environment, so that there is respect for cultural diversity, gender equity, empower citizens to participate in these issues that directly concern them.   Originality/Value: This research contributes new knowledge about the environmental challenges that all human beings currently face.