Outdoor Nature-Based Learning Programs: The Impact of Outdoor Environmental Education Programs on Students’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviours toward Nature Conservation. The Case of Nature Knights Program, Ajloun and Azraq, Jordan
Date
2024-04-29
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Abstract
Outdoor nature-based learning programs have gained increasing prominence due to their capacity to equip children, students, and youth with knowledge and foster positive attitudes towards the environment. In the past two decades, there has been a noticeable increase in the disconnection between Jordanian students and the natural world, particularly evident in their interactions with the country’s nature reserves and wildlife. The study’s goal is to investigate and evaluate the Nature Knights Program (NKP)’s effectiveness in improving school students’ knowledge, awareness, attitudes, and conduct toward wildlife in protected areas. The NKP, a collaboration between the Royal Society for the Conservation of natural (RSCN) and the Ministry of Education inside Jordan’s natural reserves, was the focus of this inquiry. The research objectives included: Developing an evaluation framework to assess the effectiveness of the NKP, drawing insights from a literature review and precedents, evaluating the existing NKP in schools and communities around nature reserves in Jordan using the established evaluation framework, and proposing recommendations for implementing best practices when integrating the NKP into schools and education centres within nature reserves. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating predominantly qualitative research methodologies supported by quantitative methods to analyze the NKP as a case study, gather participant insights, and address identified challenges. Qualitative data were primarily collected through interviews, focus groups, and observations involving NKP participants, formal teachers, education providers at nature reserves, and community leaders. Quantitative data were obtained through surveys to provide a broad understanding of students’ knowledge. The research framework drew from several theories, including transformational learning theory, sustainability and EE theory, and landscape design theory. The research findings revealed that, despite limitations, the RSCN has created extensive Environmental Education programs for students and youth. These activities have considerably improved their grasp of wildlife conservation on a nationwide scale. However, the investigation found that these programs lacked a clear strategy and instructional organization. There is significant potential for enhancing education programs within the national network of nature reserves. Achieving these improvements necessitates a comprehensive review of existing outreach and educational initiatives.
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Environmental Eduction, Outdoor Education, Nature Reserves
Citation
Abu Hayyaneh, R. (2024). Outdoor nature-based learning programs: the impact of outdoor environmental education programs on students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours toward nature conservation. The case of Nature Knights program, Ajloun and Azraq, Jordan (Doctoral thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.