Advisers

Dympna Gatpandan

Discipline

Ecology & environmental sciences

Abstract

Improper waste segregation remains a continuing environmental concern in Philippine schools despite awareness campaigns and environmental programs. Although students are taught proper disposal practices, inconsistent implementation is still observed in classrooms. This suggests a gap between knowledge and actual behavior. Understanding whether awareness translates into consistent segregation practices is essential to strengthening school-based environmental initiatives. This study assesses the level of knowledge, awareness, and actual waste segregation practices among Junior High School students of St. Mary's College Inc., Quezon City. A quantitative descriptive design is used. Data are gathered from Grades 7 to 10 students through a 4-point Likert scale questionnaire measuring knowledge and awareness. A classroom waste monitoring checklist is also conducted over a designated period to document actual practices. Data are analyzed using overall mean scores and Percentage of Maximum Possible (POMP) scores to determine levels of awareness and behavioral consistency. Students obtained high overall mean and POMP scores in knowledge and awareness, indicating a strong understanding of proper segregation. However, monitoring results showed only moderate consistency in actual practice. While many students followed correct disposal methods, recurring inconsistencies were observed in bin usage and adherence to guidelines. These findings indicated that awareness did not fully translate into consistent behavior. The results revealed a gap between understanding and implementation. Awareness alone was insufficient to ensure sustained environmental practice. Stronger reinforcement systems, clearer bin labeling, regular monitoring, and habit-forming strategies were identified as possible ways to improve behavioral consistency. Future research could explore additional motivational and contextual factors influencing student environmental behavior.

Keywords

awareness, waste segregation, knowledge, practice, junior high school students, environmental behavior