Can We Raise the Level of Environmental Awareness Through Art?

Abstract

In this paper, we underscore the importance of integrating environmental education into the curriculum at all levels of education, especially at the primary level. Teachers are called to adopt innovative didactic approaches, such as Problem-Based Learning, Inquiry-Based Learning, Experiential Learning, and Gestalt pedagogy, to foster environmental consciousness in students. This study presents an experimental investigation conducted in two Slovenian primary schools, involving a sample of 154 fourth-grade students with an average age of 9 years. The research demonstrated that the innovative model of teaching environmental content through visual arts (ECTA) is a new approach that significantly enhanced students' environmental knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and behaviors toward the environment. The experimental group exhibited statistically marked improvements compared to the control group, with higher mean percentages in artworks and more positive ecological attitudes and behaviors. A key research finding was the statistically significant correlation between students' artworks and their environmental awareness, attitudes, and behaviors toward the environment in the experimental group. A strong, statistically significant correlation was found between artwork theme and environmental awareness in the experimental group (r = 0.88, p < 0.001). This correlation was not observed in the control group (r = 0.077, p = 0.503), underscoring the transformative potential of the ECTA approach. By encouraging the creative use of recycled materials and linking artistic expression to ecological topic, this approach provides a holistic learning experience that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. The broader adoption of interdisciplinary and innovative teaching models such as ECTA, is necessary to enhance environmental education. It is also important to emphasize the role of fine arts in cultivating ecological responsibility and creative engagement.