Biocontrol of insect pests in the rice field: A learning unit about environmental problems for secondary school students

Abstract

We report here a study employing the STS approach for developing a learning unit on biocontrol for secondary school students to enhance their understanding of the impact of pesticides, their knowledge of biocontrol of insect pests, and their attitude toward the environment. We focused on the analysis of the impact of pesticides and the success of insect pest biocontrol by the cooperative effort of students, school teachers, local sages, and agriculturists. The students not only learned about the insect pests and other natural enemies of plants in the rice fields, they also learned from the laboratory and local experts. Five instruments were used to assess students' achievement in terms of knowledge and attitude: pretest and posttest, concept map, questionnaire, semi-structured interview, and classroom observation. The results showed a significant enhancement in students' knowledge and understanding of pesticides, insect pests and enemies of plants, and biological control. Students also became more aware and friendly toward the environment. © Common Ground, Kanrawee Pewnim, Watcharee Ketpichainarong, Bhinyo Panijpan, Pintip Ruenwongsa.