A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Video Assisted Teaching (VAT) on Knowledge on Mobile Reef Gardens for Ocean Conservation and Promoting Job Opportunities among coastal Communities, Puducherry

Abstract

Background: Coastal communities depend strongly on marine resources for food, employment and livelihood. Environmental degradation, climate variability and declining marine resources create a need for accessible community education on ocean conservation. Video Assisted Teaching (VAT) Can provide visual and structured learning about Mobile Reef Gardens, marine conservation and related livelihood opportunities.

Aim

       To assess the effectiveness of Video Assisted Teaching on Knowledge regarding Mobile Reef Gardens for Ocean Conservation and Promoting Job Opportunities among coastal community participants at M.Pudukuppam, Puducherry.

Methods

        A quantitative, pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post –test design was used. Sixty –two coastal community participants were selected by non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected using a demographic schedule and 20-item structured knowledge questionnaire. A VAT programme covering Mobile Reef Gardens, ocean conservation, artificial reef technology, marine biodiversity, sustainable fisheries ,environmental protection , livelihood opportunities and community participation was administered after the pre-test . A post-test was conducted after seven days.

Descriptive statistics, paired t-test and chi-square test were used.

Results

          In the pre-test, 40 (64.5 %) participants had inadequate knowledge ,20 (32.3%)had moderately adequate knowledge and 2 (3.2%) had adequate knowledge. In the post-test, 2 (3.2%) had inadequate knowledge ,18 (29.0 %) had moderately adequate knowledge and 42 (67.8%) had adequate knowledge. The mean knowledge score increased from 8.52 2.41 to 16.91 _+1.86,with a mean difference of 8.39. The paired t-test value was 27.84(df = 61, p<0.00), demonstrating a statistically significant improvement. Educational status (x²=13.284, p=0.039) and source of previous knowledge (x=10.842, p=0,004) were significantly associated with pre-test knowledge.

Conclusion:

         The findings indicate that VAT was highly effective in improving knowledge regarding Mobile Reef Gardens, ocean conservation and related job opportunities among the coastal community participants. Community - based audiovisual education may be useful strengthening awareness and participation in sustainable marine conservation.