Children’s perceptions on nature and learning about nature : inside the classroom and beyond

Abstract

The aim of this research study was to explore the perceptions, views and attitudes of Year six students attending local State Schools regarding Environment Education (E.E) and the time spent in nature both inside and outside the classroom. Consequently, the specific research question is: ‘What are children’s perceptions on nature and learning about nature within the classroom and beyond?’ The research study recruited eight participants and conducted semi-structured interviews. Additionally, data was interpreted using Thematic Analysis. The findings yielded six superordinate themes. The first main theme addressed the manner in which the students chose to define the term ‘nature’. Following this, the second theme conceptualised the emotions that the participants ascribed to themselves when outdoors. The third superordinate theme described the participants’ implications of experiencing the outside world. Subsequently, the fourth theme considered the environmental deterioration in a local context. In addition, conceptualised the influence of the students’ family on their attitudes with regards to the environment. Meanwhile, the fifth theme discussed what the students were currently learning and the manner in which they were being taught about nature. Finally, the last theme analysed the participants’ desire to spend time outdoors and their ideal duration for outdoor experiences. It was of utmost importance to recognise the participants’ own experiences, in order to fully understand their opinions and perceptions.