Abstract
This experimental research aimed to study the development of a school biophysical environment, preparation of instructional plans, and students knowledge and attitudes toward environment. Ban Khlong 31 School of Amphoe Ban Na in Nakhon Nayok province, with 116 students (Prathomsuksa 1-6) was selected for an experiment. The research procedure included the development of the schools biophysical environment, development of instructional plans, and their implementation; a posttest to measure and assess students academic achievement and attitudes toward environment was later carried out. It was found that :
1) The school improved its environment by growing decorative plants along the road in front of the school, clearing the ground for agricultural plots, improving the community surrounding and making it a learning resource, as well as tidying and cleaning the school compound. The schools biophysical environment was rated at an excellent level.
2) Instructional plans on environmental education for Prathomsuksa 1-6 were developed. For Prathomsuksa 1,2 and 4, instructional plans were developed from Lifes Experiences curriculum, and for Prathomsuksa 3,5 and 6 from Thai Language Skills curriculum. Additional activities to promote environment improvement included Natural Fence Project, and Caring for School Area Project. Instructional plans were rated at a good level.
3) After the implementation of developed instructional plans, Prathomsuksa 1-4 students knowledge about environment was at a good level, and that of Prathomsuksa 5-6 students was at a fair level. Students of all levels had a good attitude toward environment.
From existing curricula, an environmental education can be organized. To fully develop the students potentials, biophysical environment and instruction should be concurrently developed, and teachers and students should closely and continuously cooperate.
Copyright for articles published in this journal is retained by the authors, with first publication rights granted to the journal. By virtue of their appearance in this open access journal, articles are free to use, with proper attribution, in educational and other non-commercial settings.