Environmental Science: Environmental Education

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1065/ehs2001.02.003 - - - This article examines the environmental knowledge of Nature teachers in Poland. It particularly aims at assessing: (1) a current level of knowledge and awareness about waste management
issues among the Polish teachers of subjects connected to the environment (biology, geography, physics and chemistry), and (2) whether teachers knowledge affects their activities in the field of waste management. Teachers of Nature (N=200) randomly assigned to the questionnaire originated from two locations in South Poland. The results indicated that 29.5% of surveyed educators represented satisfactory levels of knowledge/background to educate effectively about environmental issues (mainly waste problems). Teachers of various age classes with an average length of experience (13-19 years) and receiving continuing education dominated this selected group. No significant differences in teachers competence between the two investigated regions were found. More knowledgeable educators showed only slightly more frequent environmentally friendly habits and behaviour. Recommendations for lecturers are made from these findings.