THE ENGAGEMENT OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN URBAN AVIFAUNA MONITORING ACTIVITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR
THE ENGAGEMENT OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN URBAN AVIFAUNA MONITORING ACTIVITIES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR

Summary/Abstract: The study analyzes how urban bird monitoring assists in learning ecological behaviour amongst 121 tenth-grade high schoolers from Giurgiu. It started from the premise that direct engagement by youths in observing local biodiversity affects their attitudes toward the environment and their practices of engagement with a wildlife source. The research implies a study on ornithofauna and an educational experiment conducted in the 2024–2025 school year. The students were part of an experimental group participating in monitoring activities or of a control group. Evaluation through validated questionnaires measured ecological behaviours and environmental attitudes before and after the intervention. The results proved that despite no significant differences between groups after completing the study, there is a strong correlation between pro-ecological attitude and observed behaviour. Students may show a greater willingness to engage in basic tasks like recycling yet have little interest in activities that involve longer-term dedication. Research is limited by the short duration of the intervention and the limitations of the present educational system which do not endorse nature-based activities. The research provides insightful thoughts on the multi-dimensionality of ecological consciousness. It suggests the need for change via a long-term comprehensive education program as a component of the curriculum. The key finding of this study is that successful ecological education does not simply involve imparting information, it requires direct and continuous experience in nature, ongoing contemplation of nature as well as taking part in conservation activities to create an environmentally caring citizen.

• Details
• Contents