Young Slovenian learners’ knowledge about animal diversity on different continents

Abstract

This study examined young Slovenian learners’ knowledge about animal diversity on different continents, which is important information conveyed during their education about different biomes on the Earth and about preservation of biodiversity. Altogether, 198 young learners 5 to 12 years old were interviewed via a questionnaire. They were asked to name three species of animals for each continent. In the second part of the questionnaire they answered questions designed to reveal their interest in plants, animals, and nature in general. Lastly, young learners were asked to name their most frequent source of information about animals. The study findings show that young Slovenian learners know animal species living in Africa and Europe the best. Mammals are the most commonly mentioned group of animals, particularly large mammals and pets. They possess several misconceptions about animal species ranges, such as those of penguins and tigers. Older children named more animal species than younger ones, and boys named reptiles more often and amphibians less often than girls. Television is the most important source of information about animals, followed by books and magazines, schools, and the internet.