Assessment of university students’ need to acquire knowledge about ecology

Perm National Research Polytechnic University, Foreign Languages and Public Relations Department, 614990 Perm, Russia

^* Corresponding author: timkinaj@mail.ru

Abstract

The article discusses the necessity and possibility of including an integrated module of environmental education and foreign language in the training of bachelors at the university. It is noted that the inclusion of environmental education in a foreign language course contributes to the expansion of knowledge acquired earlier, reduces the burden on students, meets the needs of society and the individual. To design an integrated module, it is necessary to determine the readiness and desire of students for environmental education. The authors developed a questionnaire consisting of four blocks aimed at determining previous environmental education in various forms, students’ involvement in personal environmental practices, knowledge and attitude towards measures to improve the environment; students’ needs in environmental education. It is established that a minority of students are involved in personal practices of pollution reduction, students show pessimism in the use of modern technologies, are focused on state measures and control in the field of environmental protection. On the one hand, respondents note the need for knowledge on environmental issues; on the other hand, they believe that only special disciplines are able to provide this data, given that such disciplines are not included in the curriculum at non-core faculties. The data obtained confirm the relevance of the integrated course, allow us to identify topics that are designed to provide students with new knowledge and strengthen confidence in the technological solution of many environmental problems, as well as support students in applying personal practices that reduce environmental harm.