Evaluating the effects of environmental education programming on connectedness to nature |
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| Authors: | Julie Ernst Stefan Theimer |
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| Institution: | 1. Health, Physical Education, and Recreation , University of MN Duluth , Duluth, USA;2. Cascade Meadow Wetlands &3. Environmental Science Center , Rochester, USA |
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| Abstract: | With a growing movement to re-connect children to nature, an understanding of the ability of environmental education (EE) programs to foster connectedness to nature is needed. The purpose of this exploratory quantitative study is to determine the effect of seven EE programs on participants' connectedness to nature. Results from the 385 children who participated in this study suggest two of the programs may be associated with a significant increase in connectedness to nature; however, due to the limitations of the study and a potential ‘ceiling effect’ of high initial levels of connectedness, further research is needed. |
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| Keywords: | environmental education connectedness to nature environmental sensitivity |
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