Assessing Teachers' Competencies Related to Environment- sensitive Issues: Insights for Future Training and Professional Development        

Anjali Sharma 

Professor, Head, Department of Education, Dean, School of Education, Central University of Rajasthan, Kishangarh 

Ranjana Sharma 

Associate Professor, Department of Education, Nathdwara Institute of Biotechnology & Management, Nathdwara 

Ramesh Chandra Nagda 

Head of Institution, The Nobles T.T. College, Kherwara 

Abstract

The escalating global environmental issues highlight a significant deficiency in teacher education concerning pre-service teachers' competencies in addressing environment-sensitive issues. In educational settings, contemporary techniques predominantly focus on attitudes, neglecting crucial elements such as environmental knowledge and skills. The present study aims to create and validate a standardized assessment scale, the Environmental Knowledge, Attitude, and Skill (EKAS) Scale, to comprehensively assess pre-service teachers' competencies regarding environmental issues. Data were collected from 378 third-year pre-service teachers in science and social science disciplines at a teacher education institute utilizing a purposive sampling method. The EKAS Scale comprises 82 multiple-choice items and was developed and verified in a five-step procedure that included expert feedback, item validation, and reliability testing, yielding a Cronbach's alpha of 0.80.  The scale assesses teachers' competencies in three significant domains: understanding of environmental content knowledge, attitudes toward the environment, and environmental skill. The findings indicate that a considerable percentage of pre-service teachers exhibit insufficient knowledge (55.03%), limited environmental skills (45.76%), and unfavorable attitudes (47.09%) regarding environment-sensitive issues. Furthermore, pre-service teachers in the science stream achieved significantly higher scores than those in the social science stream, indicating notable differences in environmental competency across disciplines. The conclusions underscore the need for interdisciplinary incorporation of environment-sensitive issues in teacher preparation courses. The EKAS Scale offers a comprehensive framework for informing curriculum development, directing professional training, and shaping legislative reforms to improve environmental literacy among future educators. The present assessment tool can cultivate proficient, environmentally conscious instructors capable of imparting sustainable perspectives to future generations. . 

Keywords: environmental knowledge, attitude, and skill (EKAS) scale, teacher education, environmental sensitive issues, pre- service teachers, environmental content knowledge

How to cite:

Sharma, A., Sharma, R., & Nagda, R. C. (2025). Assessing Teachers' Competencies Related to Environment- sensitive Issues: Insights for Future Training and Professional Development. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Educational Research and Innovation. 3(2), 61-72.  https://doi.org/10.17613/c00qx-9t311. 

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