EXPLORING THE EFFECT OF NOS/NOT LEARNING AND DISPOSITIONS ON UNDERTAKING BEHAVIOURAL ACTIONS IN THE CASE OF NATURAL HAZARDS

Abstract

This research seeks to evaluate students’ intended behavioural actions in the event of a natural hazard, specifically hurricane, lightning, earthquake, or tsunami. A test instrument, measuring behavioural actions in the event of a natural hazard, and related NOS/NOT beliefs and dispositions, is utilized to collect data in Estonia, USA and Japan (N=2323). Results suggest that students responded adequately to tsunamis and lightning strikes, but to a lesser extent for hurricanes and earthquakes. Results also suggest a connection between dispositions and behavioural actions, but a lack of connection between generalised. NOS/NOT conceptualisations and behavioural actions. Results imply that students find it difficult to apply their learning to new situations requiring responsible behavioural actions. Implications indicate that NOS/NOT are not well understood, while responsible behavioural actions need to more heavily stressed in teaching about natural hazards involving the promotion of student values and attitudes with respect to Natural Disaster Reduction (NDR). Keywords: behavioural action, Natural Disaster Reduction (NDR), dispositions, Natural Hazards (NH), Nature of Science (NOS), Nature of Technology (NOT).