Nature Classrooms Pedagogy
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In today’s changing world, students often view nature as unfamiliar and distant from their lives. Through our Nature Learning Pedagogy, we aim to provide opportunities for learners to develop wonder, love, and a connection to nature at a young age. Our approach to Nature Learning and Resource creation is shaped by this pedagogy. It is a dynamic and collaborative approach based on classroom observations and conversations with in-service teachers and experienced educators. We envision Nature Learning to be:
Nature-Centric
Shifting from a utilitarian, human-centric perspective of nature to one that views humans, along with other beings as a part of the natural world.
Contextual
Drawing upon familiar, local and relatable examples to encourage students to bond with their immediate environment. Contextual learning progresses from the familiar to the unfamiliar, local to global concepts and examples.
Culturally Relevant
Acknowledging and providing opportunities to include and discuss diverse local cultural practices, beliefs and anecdotes in the form of stories, poems, songs, art and more within classroom learning.
Age-Appropriate
Carefully designed lessons and resources in accordance to children’s learning levels, cognitive skills and socio-emotional needs.
Learner-Centric
Allowing for learners to engage, explore and make choices about their learning and interactions in and about the natural world.
Experiential
Immersive and reflective learning through the hands, head and heart.
Sparking students’ curiosity about the natural world and their surroundings by asking questions, encouraging observation and investigation.
Inquiry Based
Empathetic
Building and valuing emotional connections, and a compassionate outlook towards the natural world.
Inclusive & Accessible
Representative and non-discriminatory teaching and learning.
Well-Being Focussed
Creating a sense of wonder and love for nature and facilitating deep bonds and connections with the natural world. Addressing topics that may cause anxiety in students (for example, plastic pollution or climate change) with empathy.
To begin implementing Nature Learning Pedagogy in your classroom, you can download our Pedagogy in the form of an action-oriented checklist here:
For a more elaborate version of the checklist (with explanations, examples, and more questions for consideration), click here:
Recommended Readings
Looking for articles and opinion pieces on nature education and nature learning pedagogies? Find a curated list of readings here.