From Knowledge to Concern: An Analysis of the Relationship between Ecosystem Concepts and Students' Conservation Attitudes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37251/jouabe.v2i2.3227Keywords:
Ecosystem Concept, Environmental Education, Environmental Knowledge, Natural Resource Conservation, Student AttitudesAbstract
Purpose of the study: This study aims to determine the relationship between students' knowledge of ecosystem concepts and their attitudes toward natural resource conservation. Furthermore, it aims to identify the extent to which students' understanding of ecosystem concepts contributes to fostering a caring attitude toward environmental conservation.
Methodology: The study used a survey method with a descriptive correlational approach. The research instruments consisted of a 30-item multiple-choice test to measure knowledge of ecosystem concepts and a three-choice Likert-scale questionnaire to measure attitudes toward natural resource conservation. A sample of 30 students was selected using cluster random sampling. Data analysis used the Liliefors test, Bartlett's test, simple regression, and Pearson Product-Moment correlation.
Main Findings: The results of the study indicate a positive and significant relationship between knowledge of ecosystem concepts and students' attitudes toward natural resource conservation. A correlation coefficient of 0.742 indicates a strong relationship. The regression equation obtained is Y = 22.45 + 0.983X. The coefficient of determination of 55.1% indicates the contribution of knowledge of ecosystem concepts to the formation of students' conservation attitudes.
Novelty/Originality of this study: The novelty of this research lies in its empirical analysis of the direct link between mastery of ecosystem concepts and attitudes toward natural resource conservation among madrasah students. This research expands the study of environmental education by confirming that a conceptual understanding of ecosystems can be a crucial foundation for developing a conservative character and strengthening the integration of ecological education into biology learning.
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