Students and the Sea: Ocean Literacy in Tanjungpinang, Indonesia

Nur Eka Kusuma Hindrasti

doi:10.29303/jppipa.v7i3.725

Abstract

Low levels of 'ocean literacy' has been identified in many countries and can be a barrier for citizens to engage in environmentally responsible behavior even though improving public awareness about the ocean can benefit society and the environment. This study assessed the level of knowledge, attitude, and behavior towards the ocean of students grades 10-11 (ages 15-17) in Tanjungpinang, Indonesia, a region with strong connections with the sea. A survey was used in a public school and a private school, with a total of 200 students participating in a test about ocean knowledge and a survey about ocean attitude and behavior. Many test questions were aligned with the SOLE (The Survey of Ocean Literacy and Experience) based on 'Ocean Literacy Principles' established by the Ocean Literacy Campaign in the United States. Overall, respondents possess a moderate level of knowledge, a highly positive attitude towards the ocean environment, and a moderate level category on behavior. There are significant differences: the level of behavior in terms of class level, the level of knowledge, and attitudes in terms of subject interest. There is no significant difference in knowledge between private and public schools. There is a correlation between attitude and knowledge and also between attitude and behavior

Highlights

Citizens in many countries have a poor understanding of ocean issues and marine science (Boubonari et al, 2013; Chen & Tsai, 2015; Eddy, 2014; Fletcher & Potts, 2007; Pearson et al, 2014; Umuhire & Fang, 2015), which can be a barrier for citizens to engage in environmentally responsible behavior (Chen & Tsai, 2015; Fletcher & Potts, 2007)
The study investigates the level of three aspects of ocean literacy held by Tanjungpinang private and public school students grade 10-11, the value they place on the marine environment
Mann Whitney U was used to determine the significant difference between the three aspects of ocean literacy between private and public schools

Summary

Introduction

Citizens in many countries have a poor understanding of ocean issues and marine science (Boubonari et al, 2013; Chen & Tsai, 2015; Eddy, 2014; Fletcher & Potts, 2007; Pearson et al, 2014; Umuhire & Fang, 2015), which can be a barrier for citizens to engage in environmentally responsible behavior (Chen & Tsai, 2015; Fletcher & Potts, 2007). The plausible assumption that successful OL integration in schools requires the commitment of teachers to have a good knowledge of OL principles and a positive attitude towards the ocean It is questionable whether teachers are seaworthy and ready to tackle this challenge and to what extent teacher education programs prepare teacher candidates for it (Boubonari et al, 2013). The study investigates the level of three aspects of ocean literacy (knowledge, attitude, and behavior towards ocean) held by Tanjungpinang private and public school students grade 10-11 (age 15-17), the value they place on the marine environment. The study aims to inform educators and provide insight into the level of ocean knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of Tanjungpinang students

Findings

Method

Conclusion