Measuring Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours Concerning Sustainable Development Among Tenth Grade Students in Manitoba

The research establishes a baseline for sustainable development (SD) among 1,551 tenth grade students in Manitoba using three composite indexes. Findings indicate that while students possess relatively high knowledge (mean 2.12) and favourable attitudes (mean 2.14) toward SD, their actual supportive behaviours are less pronounced (mean 2.83). Regression analysis reveals that knowledge and attitudes only explain 21% of the variation in sustainable behaviours, with attitudes being a more influential predictor than knowledge. The study highlights a particular strength in students' support for gender equality and environmental protection, but notes confusion regarding the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals.

• The study established a baseline for tenth grade students in Manitoba on a scale of 1 to 5 (where 1 is highest), finding a mean score of 2.12 for knowledge of sustainable development themes, 2.14 for favourable attitudes, and 2.83 for supportive behaviours.
• Environmental dimensions were the most recognized areas of knowledge, with the highest-ranked statements relating to the necessity of protecting the environment and conserving fresh water for sustainable development.
• Students demonstrated strong positive attitudes toward gender equality in education and employment, which was the highest-ranked attitude statement.
• There is a significant gap between students' knowledge/attitudes and their actual behaviours; knowledge and favourable attitudes only account for 21% of the variance in the Favourable Behaviours Index.
• Attitudes are a more powerful predictor of sustainable behaviour than knowledge, with a Beta value of 0.32 compared to 0.20 for knowledge.
• The survey sample included 1,551 cases, representing approximately 10% of the 15,552 tenth grade students enrolled in Manitoba for the 2009/10 school year.

APA

Michalos, A. C., Creech, H., Swayze, N., Kahlke, P. M., Buckler, C., & Rempel, K. (2011). Measuring Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours Concerning Sustainable Development Among Tenth Grade Students in Manitoba. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/measuring_knowledge_sd_tenth_grade_mb.pdf

Chicago

Michalos, Alex C., Heather Creech, Natalie Swayze, P. Maurine Kahlke, Carolee Buckler, and Karen Rempel. Measuring Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours Concerning Sustainable Development Among Tenth Grade Students in Manitoba. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2011. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/measuring_knowledge_sd_tenth_grade_mb.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Michalos |first1=Alex C. |last2=Creech |first2=Heather |last3=Swayze |first3=Natalie |last4=Kahlke |first4=P. Maurine |last5=Buckler |first5=Carolee |last6=Rempel |first6=Karen |title=Measuring Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours Concerning Sustainable Development Among Tenth Grade Students in Manitoba |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=2011 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/measuring_knowledge_sd_tenth_grade_mb.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{michalos2011measuring, author = {Michalos, Alex C. and Creech, Heather and Swayze, Natalie and Kahlke, P. Maurine and Buckler, Carolee and Rempel, Karen}, title = {{Measuring Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours Concerning Sustainable Development Among Tenth Grade Students in Manitoba}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2011}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/measuring_knowledge_sd_tenth_grade_mb.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }