Journal of Science Education (과학교육연구지)

Science Education Research Institute Kyungpook National University (경북대학교 과학교육연구소)
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The Investigation of Pre-Service Elementary Teachers' Awareness on the Sources of Microplastics

미세플라스틱 배출원에 대한 초등예비교사들의 인식 조사

  • Received : 2022.06.10
  • Accepted : 2022.10.11
  • Published : 2022.12.31
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Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate pre-service elementary teachers' awareness on the sources of microplastics. The participants were 75 male and 91 female undergraduates. A 15-item survey questionnaire was developed based on prior researches regarding microplastics emission sources and were modified through expert review and preliminary research. The survey results show that over 80% of the respondents had heard of microplastics before through news, internet, TV, etc. However, they tended not to be aware that things such as lab coats, wet tissue, dust protective mask, or paper cup were made of microplastics-causing substances. For the questions on the expected situation of microplastics contamination, the frequency of their choices were relatively low in 'Tires of cars running are worn out' and 'The gum stuck to the floor becomes smaller.' These results show that many of them were not aware that synthetic fiber or synthetic rubber was one of the microplastics emission sources. Gender differences were found in the attitudes toward microplastics problems. Female students are more interested in the issues and are more willing to participate in the solution, and recognize the need for more education on microplastics. The implications and future directions for science education were discussed.

이 연구의 목적은 초등학교 예비교사들을 대상으로 미세플라스틱 배출원에 대한 인식을 조사하는 것이다. 연구 참여자는 학부 남학생 75명과 여학생 91명이었다. 미세플라스틱 배출원에 관한 선행연구들을 참조하여 15문항으로 구성된 설문지를 개발한 후, 전문가 검토 및 예비연구를 통해 수정하였다. 설문 결과, 응답자의 80% 이상이 이전에 뉴스, 인터넷, TV 등을 통해 미세플라스틱에 대해 들어본 경험이 있다고 하였다. 그러나 실험복, 물티슈, 황사용마스크, 종이컵 등이 미세플라스틱 원인물질로 제조된 것을 인지하지 못하는 경향이 있었다. 미세플라스틱 오염이 예상되는 상황을 묻는 설문에서도 '달리는 자동차의 타이어가 마모된다'와 '바닥에 붙어있는 껌이 작아진다'에 대한 선택 빈도가 상대적으로 낮았다. 이러한 결과는 상당수 예비교사들이 합성섬유나 합성고무가 미세플라스틱의 배출원임을 인지하지 못한다는 것을 보여준다. 미세플라스틱 문제에 대한 태도에서는 성별 차이가 나타났다. 즉, 여 예비교사들은 관련 문제에 더 관심을 보이고, 해결에 대한 참여 의지를 더 보이며, 미세플라스틱 관련 교육의 필요성을 더욱 절감하였다. 향후 과학교육을 위한 함의를 논의하였다.

Keywords

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