The “Business Case” for Nature Education in Secondary Schools
It seems self evident that enabling young people to spend time in nature, in a safe, enjoyable and engaging way, will increase their understanding of nature, and lead to them enjoying it and valuing it, and wanting to protect it. Many environmentalists promote the benefits of Nature Education (about nature) and Nature Based Education (in nature - regardless of topic) in this way.
But for the education sector to make space for Nature Education and Nature Based Education we need to demonstrate that it can also help schools address some of their key priorities: attainment, mental health and wellbeing, school connectedness, physical health of students, and skills development.
A growing number of academic studies, and other investigations, are supporting this “business case” for Nature Based Education in schools:
It supports learning
A 2016 study indicated that “high school greenness could be an effective resource in contributing to students' perceived [attention] restoration”. Urban Forestry and Urban Greening 2016 Vol. 16 Pages 1-8.
This 2023 publication from Quebec, Canada, highlighted the value of outdoor education at school for linking learning to “real life”. Full article: K-11 teachers’ school-based outdoor education practices in the province of Québec, Canada: from local initiatives to a grassroots movement
It supports movement and physical health
The 2023 Quebec study also noted a positive impact on movement and physical health. #
It’s good for Individual Mental Health and Wellbeing
A 2018 research study that suggested that outdoor environments in a school food growing garden promotes student wellbeing: https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2018.1434869
Results from another 2018 study, from Liverpool University, indicated that group based socially interactive horticulture activities facilitated by trained therapists are associated with positive impacts upon the mental and emotional wellbeing of children experiencing behavioural, emotional and social difficulties. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5661-9
A 2020 study from Miles Richardson at Derby University who has been leading in the field of nature connection and impacts on humans, suggested that a nature connection programs had a positive influence on increasing participants’ understanding, confidence, nature connection, wellbeing, and involvement in green outdoor environments. https://doi.org/10.1080/00958964.2020.1845588
A 2022 research study revealed a hint that perhaps nature based instruction supports a wider range of learners than classroom based instruction: https://doi.org/10.1080/13504622.2022.2076811
A 2023 “quasi-experimental study” from China that concluded that horticultural activities are beneficial leisure activities that aid in stress relief for children, but that the design of the activities is important. Guo L, Xu W, Shi Y, Gao S, Xiao C, Zhang X, Liu X, Zhang Q and Zhang Y (2024) Which horticultural activities are more effective for children’s recovery from stress and mental fatigue? A quasi-experimental study. Front. Psychol. 15:1352186. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1352186
It’s good for human-human relationships and school connectedness
A 2024 study showed positive impacts on school connectedness and human-human connectedness within the school community from a school garden project. “We Can Come in Together and Garden”: A Mixed Methods Study of School Connectedness in a Middle School Garden Project: Journal of Research in Childhood Education: Vol 38 , No 4 - Get Access
A 2021 research study which suggested that contact with natural environments, is associated with higher pro-social behaviour: The Effects of Contact With Nature During Outdoor Environmental Education on Students' Wellbeing, Connectedness to Nature and Pro-sociality - PubMed
In a 2019 study, young people identified how their involvement in green spaces enabled connections with others, and highlighted aspects of personal health and personal growth, all of which contribute to their mental well-being. Exploring the Relationship between School Gardens, Food Literacy and Mental Well-Being in Youths Using Photovoice - PubMed
A 2018 study from the University of Illinois, “suggests that green schoolyards may promote positive development outcomes among youth living in urban, low-income neighbourhoods by providing natural and safe spaces for Physical Activity and prosocial behaviour”. Frontiers | Green Schoolyards in Low-Income Urban Neighborhoods: Natural Spaces for Positive Youth Development Outcomes
It’s good for developing “SOFT” Skills
A small study showing some improvement in thinking skills. Effects of an Outdoor Education Programme on Creative Thinking and Well-being in Adolescent Boys | New Zealand Journal of Educational Studies
A 2017 study from Sweden demonstrated that engaging 10 - 12 year olds in a long term nature engagement programme created a sense of pride and achievement in them. Frontiers | Fostering Children’s Connection to Nature Through Authentic Situations: The Case of Saving Salamanders at School