Az Digitális világ, zöld jövő?” – Az alfa generáció környezethez fűződő viszonya

Abstract

Environmental education is gaining increasing significance in the Hungarian education system. Its goal is not only to impart knowledge but also to establish the values and skills necessary for sustainability. Members of Generation Alpha — growing up in a fully digital environment — may potentially play a key role in shaping a more environmentally conscious future. This research seeks to examine the extent to which early childhood and primary environmental education has influenced this generation: has an environmentally conscious mindset developed, along with the willingness to act accordingly? The study involved 95 ninth-grade students, whose environmental knowledge and attitudes were assessed through questionnaires and focus group interviews. The results show that while students are familiar with certain environmental basics and are open to the idea of sustainability, they lack a deeper understanding of ecological connections, and their everyday behaviors are not always consistent with their expressed attitudes. The findings highlight the significant impact of the school environment on the development of environmentally conscious behavior and underscore the crucial role teachers play in shaping students' attitudes. The research confirms that there are considerable differences in the quality of environmental education between institutions and educators. Therefore, strengthening teacher training in this field is essential for preparing future generations for a sustainable way of life.