Schmidt UW-L Journal of Undergraduate Research X (2007) From Intentions to Actions: The Role of Environmental Awareness on

This study examined the ways environmental education influences the attitudes and behaviors of university students. Previous research has been able to associate strong attitudes with intentions; this research goes beyond intentions by measuring behaviors. Surveys were used to verify the impact of an introductory environmental course on participants ’ environmental awareness. Two independent groups were divided by the characteristic of enrollment in the course. Students in the course reported greater pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors than students who were not enrolled. Results also revealed a positive correlation between attitudes and behaviors at the end of the course. These findings suggest a need for stressing the importance of environmental awareness in an educational setting, in order to benefit both student knowledge and future welfare of the greater population