Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Enhancing Kogi Secondary School Students' Understanding of Climate Change through Effective Environmental Education

Abstract

This study investigates the current understanding of climate change among secondary school students in Kogi State, Nigeria. Climate change poses a significant threat, and equipping future generations with the knowledge to address it is crucial. However, a knowledge gap exists regarding student understanding. This study aims to bridge this gap by employing a quantitative research design targeting a sample population of 100 (20 teachers, 80 students) from Kogi State's 280 secondary schools with an estimated 3,000 teachers and 20,000 students. Surveys designed for teachers and students will assess their current understanding of climate change concepts, causes, impacts, and potential solutions. The study anticipates revealing existing knowledge gaps and areas requiring improvement in environmental education curriculum and pedagogy. The findings will inform the development of targeted and effective environmental education programs, fostering a generation of informed and empowered Kogi State secondary school students who can contribute to climate action. Keywords: Climate Change Education, Secondary Education, Knowledge Gap, Environmental Education, Climate Change Understanding, Climate Action Journal Reference Format: Musa, A.A., Ogbaini, C.A., Enefu, S.M. & Omoyeni, O.E. (2024): Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Enhancing Kogi Secondary School Students' Understanding of Climate Change through Effective Environmental Education. Humanities, Management, Arts, Education & the Social Sciences Journal. Vol. 12. No. 2, Pp 45-56. www.isteams.net/humanitiesjournal. dx.doi.org/10.22624/AIMS/HUMANITIES/V12N2P6