Promoting connectedness with nature through environmental education in field trips framework
Ikmanda Nugraha, Lilit Rusyati
International Program on Science Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
Abstract
It has been noted that a positive human–nature relationship is important to prevent and counter environmental problems. Ecology and Environmental Sciences is one of the courses provided by science education program in the Faculty of Mathematics and Science Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia. The course focused on knowledge and attitudinal outcomes to promote students connectedness with nature. The objective of this study to investigate whether environmental education provided by this course can help promote and sustain students connectedness with nature. With a pre- and post-test design, we assessed a comprehensive in two-day modules in a field trip framework, which included hands-on indoor (classroom) and outdoor (mangrove and marine ecosystem) using -Inclusion of Nature in Self- scale (INS) to monitor shifts in reported connectedness with nature. Twenty-three students (prospective teacher students) participated in this study. We found that participating in the course resulted in a robust short-term increase in connectedness with nature scale. Therefore, strengthening connectedness to nature is an essential factor to sustain an environmental education in the schools by providing science teachers who have a strong connectedness to nature.
Keywords: connectedness with nature, environmental education, field trips
Topic: BIOLOGY EDUCATION