A global perspective on soil science education at third educational level :
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Date
2022-07-10
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Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
The pivotal role of soil as a resource is not fully appreciated by the general public. Improving education in soil
science represents a challenge in a world where soil resources are under serious threat. Today’s high school
students, the world’s future landowners, agriculturalists, and decision makers, have the potential to change
society’s apathy towards soils issues. This research aimed to compare the level of soil education in high and/or
secondary schools in forty-three countries worldwide, together comprising 62% of the world’s population.
Comparisons were made between soil science content discussed in educationally appropriate textbooks via a
newly proposed soil information coefficient (SIC). Interviews with teachers were undertaken to better understand
how soil science education is implemented in the classroom. Statistical analyses were investigated using clustering. Results showed that gaps in soil science education were most commonly observed in countries where soil
science is a non-compulsory or optional subject. Soil science concepts are predominantly a part of geography or
environmental science curricula. Consequently, considerable variability in soil science education systems among
investigated countries exists. Soil information coefficient‘s outcomes demonstrated that a methodological
approach combining textbooks and the use of modern digitally based strategies in the educational process
significantly improved soil education performances. Overall, soil science education is under-represented in
schools worldwide. Dynamic new approaches are needed to improve pivotal issues such as: i) promoting collaborations and agreements between high school and universities; ii) encouraging workshops and practical exercises such as field activities; and, iii) implementing technology tools. This, in turn, will prepare the next
generation to contribute meaningfully towards solving present and future soil problems.
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Keywords
Soil information coefficient Upper secondary school High school, Geography textbooks Worldwide comparison Soil education