Gender differences in students’ disaster knowledge and needs: A case study from Klaten, Indonesia

Abstract

Knowledge is one of the critical aspects of disaster risk reduction capacity. Attributes that exist in an individual, such as age and gender, can be a factor in their high or low knowledge. This study aims to determine (1) the difference in students’ knowledge about earthquake disasters based on gender and (2) the difference in student needs in gender-based learning. This study is quantitative research with a comparative causal design. This research was conducted in four schools: Public Junior High School Jabung, Public Junior High School 1 Bayat, Private Vocational High School Berbudi Gantiwarno and Public Senior High School 1 Bayat. This school was chosen because it is located in an earthquake-prone area and was affected by the 2006 earthquake. The sample number includes 26 elementary school students, 173 junior high school students and 75 high school students. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling. Data collection uses questionnaires to obtain student knowledge and data on student needs, and technical data analysis is done using the t-test and Mann–Whitney test. The results of the study showed that (1) there was no difference in the knowledge of male and female students and (2) the needs of students in disaster learning included up-to-date disaster learning materials, adequate facilities and infrastructure, varied and fun learning methods and fun learning media. The findings provide critical insights for policymakers and educators to enhance disaster education programmes with a focus on inclusivity and student-centred approaches.
Contribution: This study underscores the importance of designing disaster education tailored to students’ characteristics and needs, ensuring relevance and engagement. The learning strategies developed are more targeted by understanding children’s disaster characteristics and needs.