Enhancing water literacy through experiential learning among grade VIII students in Karachi, Pakistan

Date of Award

2025

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Philosophy in Education (MPhil Ed.)

First Advisor

Dr Fozia Parveen

Department

Institute for Educational Development, Karachi

Abstract

This study explored the effectiveness of experiential learning in enhancing water literacy among Grade VIII students in Karachi, Pakistan. This study employed a concurrent nested mixed method using a single-group pre-test–post-test intervention to examine improvements in students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to water, as well as their perceptions of learning through an experiential learning approach. The intervention consisted of a series of experiential science lessons focused on water status, pollution, conservation, and basic water chemistry. Quantitative data were collected through a researcher-developed tool comprising knowledge, attitude, and behavior items. 
A paired-sample t-test was conducted to determine changes between pre- and post-test scores. Qualitative data were gathered through a semi-structured focus group discussion and were analyzed thematically.
The results showed statistically significant improvements across all three domains of water literacy, indicating that experiential learning contributed to deeper conceptual understanding, more positive attitudes toward responsible water use, and increased self-reported conservation behaviors. Through an experiential learning approach, students engaged in different hands-on activities, which helped them to visualise the abstract ideas related to water and helped them to connect that knowledge to their daily lives. They reported greater awareness of water scarcity, a stronger sense of responsibility, and increased motivation to share their learning with peers and family members. Overall, the study highlights the value of experiential approaches in promoting meaningful and sustainable learning about water in middle school science classrooms.

First Page

1

Last Page

84

This document is available in the relevant AKU library.

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