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- Nature-based learning
Nature-based learning
Nature-based learning is essential for children today. With limited opportunities to connect with nature, it’s more important than ever that they develop character traits such as empathy, compassion and understanding about how our environment impacts everything. Richard Louv called this phenomenon, ‘nature-deficit disorder’ in his book, The Last Child in the Woods, and opened the nation’s eyes to the developmental effects that nature has on our children. Louv documented how modern family life has changed dramatically in the last two decades…
In the past decade, the benefits of connecting to nature have been well documented in numerous scientific research studies and publications. Collectively, this body of research shows that children’s social, psychological, academic and physical health is positively impacted when they have daily contact with nature. These holistic benefits support the importance of nature-based learning.
From: Natural Learning Initiative "Benefits of Connecting Children with Nature"
More details:
- Supports multiple developmental domains.
- Supports creativity and problem solving
- Enhances cognitive abilities
- Improves academic performance
- Reduces Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) symptoms
- Increases physical activity
- Improves nutrition
- Improves eyesight
- Improves social relations
- Improves self-discipline
- Reduces stress
Examples:
Natura Pacific: "The Intrinsic Benefits of Nature-based Education in Schools"
Web resources:
Teacher Magazine: "Nature Pedagogy - Inside, Outside and Beyond"
Natural Learning Initiative "Benefits of Connecting Children with Nature"
Head Start ECLKC: "Nature-Based Learning and Development"
Application:
Nature-based learning is relevant to all ages – including into adult years. In the context of Learnlife, nature-based learning provides an essential basis in the primary years of learning. It can form a foundation for understanding sustainability issues and environmental challenges.
Learnlife also sees nature-based learning and experiences as being an excellent environment in which to help shift the mindset of learners who may retain negative perceptions of learning due to previous school experiences – wilderness experiences to help accelerate changes in attitude and establish more positive relational capacities.
Nature-based learning is one of many 25 learning methodologies in the Learnlife learning paradigm toolkit. Learn more about the different ways to engage learners through the different learning methodologies.