Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

• Amirreza Rezaei ¹
• Seyedeh Rana Mousavi Tazehkand ²
• Hamid Movahed Mohammadi ³

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

² Ph.D. Student in Sustainable Agricultural Extension and Natural Resources, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

³ Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

Abstract

This study aimed to conduct a comparative analysis of the impact of environmental literacy on sustainable and pro-environmental behaviors among students in agricultural vocational schools and green schools in Tehran Province. The research employed a correlational-causal design, with data collected from a statistical population of 998 students from green schools and 435 students from agricultural vocational schools across 4 green schools and 5 agricultural vocational schools. Using Morgan's table, a sample of 298 participants was selected, with 269 questionnaires ultimately included in the analysis. Convenience sampling was used, and data were gathered through a questionnaire validated by faculty members of Agricultural Extension and Education at the University of Tehran. Reliability was confirmed via a pilot study (Cronbach's α = 0.559–0.908). Data were analyzed in SPSS25 using descriptive and inferential statistics, including the Mann-Whitney U test. The results revealed significant differences (p < 0.01) between the two groups: Agricultural students exhibited significantly more favorable environmental behaviors; They demonstrated higher levels of environmental performance; They displayed stronger pro-environmental behavioral intentions; They held more pronounced environmental attitudes; However, green school students possessed greater subjective environmental knowledge. These findings suggest that while agricultural vocational education may more effectively foster practical pro-environmental actions, green schools excel in developing environmental awareness. The study highlights the need for balanced educational approaches that integrate both knowledge and behavioral components in sustainability education.

Keywords

• : environmental literacy
• sustainable behavior
• green schools
• agricultural education
• comparative study

Main Subjects

• Agricultural education