An Empirical Study of Children's Perceptions of Wild Species: Focus on the Wild Boar
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14712/18023061.704Keywords:
attitude, wild boar, pupils, environmental education, fear, interest, curriculumAbstract
The article focuses on pupils’ attitudes toward the wild boar (Sus scrofa), a species commonly found in the Czech landscape and often perceived as socially controversial. The aim of the study was to explore how pupils perceive this species, how well they know it, and how their attitudes are influenced by fear, interest in nature, and preference for biology as a school subject. A questionnaire survey conducted in 2024 included 1172 respondents from various types of schools. The data were analysed using correlation analysis, ANOVA and linear regression. The results show that attitudes toward wild boar are significantly influenced by the level of fear and personal interest, while factual knowledge plays a minor role. The findings suggest that environmental education should engage not only cognitive knowledge but also pupils’ emotions, experiences, and values. The study aligns with the revised Czech Framework Educational Programme for Basic Education (2025), which emphasises the formation of environmental attitudes and responsible citizenship.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Adéla Hartlová, Jan Andreska
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