A STUDY OF THE COMPONENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS BEHAVIOR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CURRICULUM TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS BEHAVIOR FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the components of environmental ethics behavior for the development of a curriculum to promote environmental ethics behavior for the undergraduate students. A qualitative research design was employed 3 steps; firstly, the documentary review was used for investigating the theoretical components of environmental ethics behavior. Then, an in - depth interview was used to collect the practical components of environmental ethics behavior that are appropriate for Thai society. Finally, a focus group discussion was employed to confirm the components of environmental ethics behavior. Data were collected by 11 conservation Buddhist monks for interviewing and 8 experts for focus group discussions. A purposive approach was used to select the key-informants and experts. Research data were analyzed with content analysis and interpreted with Analytic induction approach. The research findings revealed that the environmental ethics behavior comprised of 3 components. Those were: 1) Right conception as a deep understanding of the environmental issues and nature of reality 2) Right consumption was claimed to use the natural resources as long as needed and efficient use of resources 3) Right conservation was referred to the appropriate protection, preservation and management of the environment and natural resources based-on Buddha Teachings.