The Effectiveness of Experimental Learning in Nature Education

Karla Barrett

Science in school

• The education of today’s youth is important to the future of the planet.

• Science is often considered a boring subject. Many children lose interest as they progress through school.

• We need to consider altering the traditional methods of teaching to make room for alternative ways of grabbing students’ attention.

Hand on Experience with Nature

• Promotes Biophilia• Increased experience with the environment

fosters positive attitudes and increased knowledge and awareness.

• Increases relevance• Zoo conservation programs• Nature’s Classroom

Hands on Experience with Animals

• Perceptions are based on experience-Hearing, touching and feeling the animals makes the learning experience real and relevant

• Promotes Empathy• Teachers as facilitators of

learning• Talking Talons

Cognitive Benefits of Nature

• Attention Restoration Theory (ART)– Involuntary attention is restorative for direct

attention– Outdoor experiences during school can be

beneficial for cognitive functioning in traditional settings

– There is a place for both personal experience and textbook

Further Research

• How do students learn by experience– The science behind the brain– Frontal lobe development– Is this type of education more beneficial for

adults?– Urban versus rural experiences and how they

shape attitudes?– What kinds of programs can be introduced to

school curriculums that incorporate hands on experience on a regular basis?

Resources• Sorge, C. (2008). The Relationship Between Bonding with Nonhuman Animals and

Students' Attitudes Toward Science. Society & Animals, 16(2), 171-184. doi:10.1163/156853008X291444

• Kruse, C., & Card, J. (2004). Effects of a Conservation Education Camp Program on Campers' Self- Reported Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior. Journal of Environmental Education, 35(4), 33-45. Retrieved from GreenFILE database.

• Thompson, K. L. & Gullone, E. (2003). Promotion of empathy and prosocial behaviour in children through humane education. Australian Psychologist, 38(3), 175-182. doi:10.1080/00050060310001707187

• Roberts, J. (2002). Beyond Learning By Doing: The Brain Compatible Approach. Journal of Experiential Education, 25(2), 281. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.

• Littledyke, M. (2008). Science education for environmental awareness: approaches to integrating cognitive and affective domains. Environmental Education Research, 14(1), 1-17. doi:10.1080/13504620701843301.

• Berman, Marc G., Jonides, John, Kaplan, Stephen (2008). The Cognitive Benefits of Interacting with Nature. Psychlogical Science, 19(12), 1207-1212.