Preparation of study pack on Sri Lankan ecosystems related to the grade 9 syllbus for effective learning

Abstract

Some countries like UK, Kenya, Japan, New Zealand and Thailand have already developed activities to implement environment education through cross-curricular activities in schools. In Sri Lankan education there was no significant component about environment, natural ecosystem and biodiversity up to 1998. Sri Lanka laws and legislation were initiated from 1968 to conserve the natural resources. However there is no considerable change and benefit from people’s attitudes. Activities have been started to conserve the biodiversity and natural ecosystems but the students lack facilities to know and study about the natural ecosystems, its biodiversity and its conservation directly. Especially in the Jaffna area, students lack facilities to know and study about natural ecosystems and its conservation than in other areas. The existing ecosystem in Jaffna area is also restricted from direct visits. A survey was done to collect data regarding the existing teaching/leaming process about ecosystems, its biodiversity and its conservation. For this the students and teachers were interviewed informally. A questionnaire was prepared, it was distributed among teachers and collected data were analyzed. Two samples of students were selected from two different schools. A diagnostic test was prepared for those students using lessons related to ecosystems and its biodiversity from grade seven to grade nine to know about their knowledge, skills and experience. The pre test was implemented. A hypothesis and null hypothesis were formulated to see the effectiveness of a new teaching method using the study pack. The study pack was prepared and implemented before conducting the post test. The post test was conducted and the results of both tests of two schools students were analyzed using t- test. The p value was found to be less than 0.05. Therefore the alternative hypothesis was accepted and the null hypothesis was rejected. The results and evaluation of the study showed that the study pack could enhance the students’ performance level. The results of informal interview, questionnaire and tests were discussed and suggestions were made to enhance the existing learning and teaching process.