THE ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ABOUT WASTE MANAGEMENT FOR DEVELOPING PROPER EDUCATIONAL METHODS IN 2012

Background: Solid waste is one of the main environmental pollutants. The aim of this study was to survey the knowledge, attitude and practice of students and teachers about waste management for developing educational methods in Arak city. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional and analytical study that was carried out on 1739 students and 149 teachers in Arak city within 2012. Cluster sampling performed and data was collected with questionnaire including knowledge, attitude, practice and appropriate resources of education for waste management. Finally data was analyzed with statistical tests. Results: The mean score of knowledge and attitude of students was 4.1±1.9 (out of 8) and 20.63±5.9 (out of 35) respectively. About educational sources, 441 students (29% ) mentioned to book and impact of internet was very low (32%). Moreover, there was significant difference between different education levels about the best educational method (p=0.001). Conclusion: Based on our results and level of knowledge and attitude of students and their access to educational resourses and huge of weaste in school educational program planned via book, teacher and peer education for student recommended.