This research project includes a national conference on well-being in outdoor and environmental education.
New research will reveal more about how environmental education in schools and colleges can help children’s health and well-being.
There is evidence that young people derive physical and mental benefits from spending time outside and cultivating a connection with nature. However, the details of the relationship between curriculum-based environmental education and well-being remain unclear.
Previous research has shown that environmental education curricula are often too narrow, with little focus on health and well-being.
The study will be conducted by Dr Rachel Manning of the University of Exeter in collaboration with the Field Studies Council and will run until the end of 2023. Funded by ESRC.
Dr. Manning will host discussions among teachers, researchers, and other school staff to discover more about teachers’ understanding of supporting the well-being of young people in curriculum-based environmental education, and their perception of the opportunities and challenges that exist.
Used to identify the professional development and resource needs of outdoor education providers, practitioners, health care professionals and entire schools, this survey is a comprehensive study focused on the well-being of young people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Ensure that the program is designed in a meaningful and impactful way.
Dr. Manning said: Encourage teachers to think about the wellbeing aspects of education initiatives and the importance of seeking input from young people on their wellbeing in education.
“It is important to understand the experiences of teachers, and the findings will be used to further support the well-being needs of young people, not just the training teachers may need.”
The research project will include a national conference on well-being in outdoor and environmental education to be held at the University of Exeter on 22nd.nd of February. Hearing input from practitioners, schools and researchers, the conference will share current practices, examine challenges, explore ways to overcome challenges, and explore new ideas and futures in outdoor and environmental education for health. discuss about