Senior high school learners' knowledge, practices, and attitude on selected sustainable development goals

Abstract

Understanding Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) is essential for any transition towards sustainability (Salas-Zapata et al., 2018). Thus, the researcher conducted a study to assess learners' level of knowledge, practices, and attitude on science related sustainable development goals. The researcher used the descriptive-correlational research design to describe the learners' level of knowledge, practices, and level of attitude on selected SDGs and to determine its significant relationship between and among these variables. The study was conducted in the school year 2020-2021 in the five public secondary schools offering STEM - Academic Track in the 3rd Congressional District of Iloilo. Seventy-eight STEM Grade 12 learners were the participants of the study. They were identified through stratified random sampling technique. The researcher made instruments were used in the study. The instruments underwent content validation by three experts in science education. The study was conducted with the approval of Schools Division Superintendent and respective school heads, the data were gathered using google form to gather responses from the learners. The results revealed that the entire group learners' level of knowledge was moderately knowledgeable; however, they have highly desirable practices and highly desirable attitudes on selected SDGs. Significant difference exists between knowledge and attitude on selected SDGs and between practices and attitude on SDGs. The results of the study supported by the various literatures recommend the following: improvement of the integration of selected SDGs in the science curriculum and other learning areas; creation of competencies or learning objectives which include concepts on selected SDGs or local and global issues and providing opportunities for authentic experiences through insightful curriculum materials; systematic implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and collaboration of the community, teachers and learners to the co-curricular programs and activities aligned to the selected SDGs. With the disaster that is continuously happening, sustainability literacy among learners needs to be developed to protect the environment, to promote wellness of people, and to cope with the different disasters. In addition, no one should be left behind in attaining the global goals.