The Investigation of Attitude toward Environment and Strategies to Improve (Case study: Agricultural Students of University of Mohaghegh Ardabili)

Nowadays, environmental challenges are one of the major and critical issues confronting humanity. One of the main causes of this crisis is lack of attention and environmental education. Understanding the attitudes towards environment of students as one of the most influential community could be basis for future planning in order to improve knowledge and awareness of the environment. So this study was aimed to investigate the agricultural student’s attitude towards environment and identify strategies to improve it.

This study is an applied research which utilized survey method. Target population was agricultural student of the university of Mohaghegh Ardabili (n=1929) which applying Cochran formula sample size determined as 140 people and using stratified sampling method information gathered. Research tool was a questionnaire which its validity approved by panel of expert and its reliability evaluated by Alpha Cronbach coefficient.

The result of study showed that participants had a relatively positive attitude toward environment. Also the Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficient indicated that there was significant relation between attitudes and some independent variables. Regression analysis showed that 5 variables including strategies improvement, information resources, GPA, current educational semester and age defined 51% of dependent variance.

Although students had a relatively positive attitude toward environment but to lead this attitude to responsible environmental behavior, several actions must be performed on micro and macro levels. Prepare basis to provide necessary training by the responsible educational agent could lead student attitude to suitable level. Also by creating a supportive environment NGOs and supplying them, improving their environmental attitudes as well as actions carried out in order to protect the environment are accessible.