Planting a seed : an examination of nature perception, program processes, and outdoor experience /
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| Format: | Thesis eBook |
| Language: | English |
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[College Station, Tex.] :
[Texas A&M University],
[2011]
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| Online Access: | Link to OAK Trust copy |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this study was to conduct research to (a) better understand children's perceptions of nature and (b) aid in opening the "black box" related to programmatic processes and outcomes in outdoor education research. The Houston Independent School District (HISD) and their Outdoor Education Center (HISD-OEC) were utilized in a case study approach. Three separate studies were conducted. The first study used surveys, drawings and interviews to explore nature perceptions of fifth grade youth living in an urban environment. The study investigated students' definitions and perceptions of nature. Findings indicated variations in students' perceptions and suggested that direct nature experiences can play a significant role in creating a connection with nature. The second study built upon the first. The study focused on the impact of an outdoor educational experience upon fifth grade children's' perceptions of nature. The quasi-experimental mixed-method design provided valuable insights into outcomes associated with students' participation in a four day, three night outdoor learning experience. As result of attending the program, students increased their scores on survey measures and changes in interview responses and illustrated drawings suggested that students ascribed new meaning and increased affection for nature through participation in the HISD-OEC. The final study provided an in-depth review of the HISD-OEC program's purpose, mission, philosophy, and program implementation practices. The findings linked student reported outcomes to program processes. The study was structured around the grounded theory approach of McKenzie which suggested six program characteristics of influence and the work of Paisley, Furman, Sibthorp, and Gookin which outlined five domains of outdoor learning. Findings extended and expanded the work of both authors in addition to providing new insights. Qualitative findings suggested that among other findings, participants valued the physical environment, activities, processing, group dynamics, instructors, changes in their own identity, unstructured time, engaging and occupying tasks, and the overall importance and desire to maintain the outdoor program. In sum, the findings provided (a) new insight into children's nature perceptions and connections and (b) in-depth review of the HISD-OEC program offering information pertaining to program processes, characteristics, and student reported outcomes. |
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| Item Description: | "Major Subject: Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences" Title from author supplied metadata (automated record created 2011-02-28 11:02:00). Electronic resource. |
| Physical Description: | 1 online resource. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |