ABSTRACT

Accumulating evidence suggests that a range of benefits might accrue from conducting teaching and learning outside in natural environments, and more broadly, from incorporating some kind of contact with nature into teaching and learning activities. Although this evidence does not stem from studies that have focused on geographical higher education, geography educators may be interested in the possible implications for their teaching practice. Framed by this concern, this review considers the evidence for nature’s beneficial effects, primarily in relation to learning, but also in terms of academic performance, cognitive function, health, wellbeing and personal development. It is concluded that it might be desirable for geography educators to explore opportunities to increase geography students’ contact with nature. Practical recommendations for how this could be achieved are suggested.

摘要

越来越多的证据表明，在自然环境中进行教学和学习，更广泛地说，将与自然的某种接触融入教学活动可能会带来一系列好处。尽管这一证据并非源于专注于地理高等教育的研究，但地理教育者可能对他们的教学实践可能产生的影响感兴趣。基于这种担忧，本综述考虑了大自然有益影响的证据，主要与学习有关，但也涉及学习成绩、认知功能、健康、福祉和个人发展。得出的结论是，地理教育工作者可能需要探索增加地理学生与自然接触的机会。