Long-term educational programs in nature parks: Characteristics, outcomes and challenges

In this study on long-term educational programs (LTP) in nature, facilitated by an
environmental agency we followed two distinct programs enacted in schools and in
nature parks as case studies. Data were collected through observations of activities in
schools and in the outdoors and through interviews with students, teachers and
facilitators. In one program there were more student-centered and hands on activities
and substantial environmental action. In the other program it was the students’ first
experience with outdoor and environmental education, and the teachers were more
active in the outdoors as “story tellers” and role models. In this program, the students
brought up their own concern of littering rather than following the environmental
agency’s concern of illegal herb harvesting. In general, in both programs the
participant students expressed high satisfaction, and indicated learning about the environment.
We found as well limited collaboration between the operating environmental
organization and the schools and no connection to the school curriculum. Post
priori, teachers as well as the environmental educators acknowledged the need to
address the school curriculum and to better involve the teachers.