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http://dx.doi.org/10.21796/jse.2022.46.3.223

The Investigation of Pre-Service Elementary Teachers' Awareness on the Sources of Microplastics  

Kyungmoon Jeon (Gwangju National University of Education)
Publication Information
Journal of Science Education / v.46, no.3, 2022 , pp. 223-236 More about this Journal
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.
Keywords
pre-service elementary teacher; microplastics-causing substances; situation of microplastics contamination; awareness; gender difference;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 4  (Citation Analysis)
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