International Journal of Research Studies in Education
2024
Volume 13 Issue 13
Available Online: 7 September 2024
Author/s:
Ngyah-Etchutambe, Ijang Bih*
University of Buea, Cameroon (ijangetchu@gmail.com)
Okenwa-Vincent, Emmanuel E.
Kaimosi Friends University, Kaimosi, Kenya (eokenwa@kafu.ac.ke)
Pagani, Linda S.
Université de Montréal, Canada (linda.s.pagani@umontreal.ca)
Abstract:
Early childhood experiences, from birth to formal school entry, play a pivotal role in overall development. However, globally, many children start school without the requisite preparedness, impacting not only academic success but also broader aspects such as health, disease prevention, and ecological consciousness. While school readiness often encompasses academic and interpersonal skills, this study delves into the under-researched area of ecological awareness and its role in preparing children for school. We sought to understand parental perceptions concerning ecological competency in three-to-five-year-olds. The focus is on waste management, water conservation, energy-saving behaviors, and interactions with natural materials. By using a purposive sampling method followed by a snowball technique, we obtained quantitative questionnaire data from 402 parents of three-to-five-year-old children in Cameroon. In-depth interviews with eight parents also provided qualitative insights into nurturing ecological awareness in children. Our analyses include both descriptive and inferential statistics for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results underscored ecological behaviors such as responsible waste disposal and energy conservation, bolstered child motor skills, enhancing their physical school readiness. By entrusting children with simple eco-tasks and maintaining a conducive home environment, parents play a crucial role in shaping budding environmental stewards. Prioritizing ecological school readiness can reap multifaceted global benefits, spanning from individual well-being to broader enduring environmental and population health impacts.
Keywords: ecological awareness skills, physical school readiness, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, preschoolers
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2024.24107
Cite this article:
Ngyah-Etchutambe, I. B., Okenwa-Vincent, E. E., & Pagani, L. S. (2024). Precursor ecological awareness skills and kindergarten readiness among children in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 13(13), 103-112. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2024.24107
* Corresponding Author