Learning to care through nature-based emotional education: A case study in a Spanish alternative school
Linnaranta, Linda (2021)
2021
Kasvatuksen ja yhteiskunnan tutkimuksen maisteriohjelma - Master´s Programme in Educational Studies
Kasvatustieteiden ja kulttuurin tiedekunta - Faculty of Education and Culture
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Hyväksymispäivämäärä
2021-05-17
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202104263509
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:tuni-202104263509
Tiivistelmä
This study focused on exploring the pedagogical practices that encourage the development of caring behaviour towards the self, others, and the environment. Furthermore, the purpose of the study was to explore the ways in which nature-based emotional education and more caring practices could be implemented in the Finnish primary school pedagogies.
This qualitative study was a case study. To obtain a different perspective, the data was collected in Spain at a small rural school with an alternative pedagogy focusing on nature-based emotional education. The data consisted of field observations over the course of four entire school days during a period of two months, and teacher reflection from interviews with one of the teachers. The data was analysed using phenomenographic content analysis and discussed in light of an analytical framework and academic literature.
The study shows that caring for the self, others, and the environment can be integrated into a pedagogic approach that emphasises social emotional skills and nature-connectedness. According to the case study, aspects of care can be a part of the daily structures of the school, and the competences and atmospheres it strives to develop. Furthermore, the pedagogical forest environment gave unique opportunities to practice all aspects of care. Further research is needed to clarify the societal impacts of such approach. More teacher training is called for especially related to emotional education and how to integrate it with environmental education through a lens of caring.
This qualitative study was a case study. To obtain a different perspective, the data was collected in Spain at a small rural school with an alternative pedagogy focusing on nature-based emotional education. The data consisted of field observations over the course of four entire school days during a period of two months, and teacher reflection from interviews with one of the teachers. The data was analysed using phenomenographic content analysis and discussed in light of an analytical framework and academic literature.
The study shows that caring for the self, others, and the environment can be integrated into a pedagogic approach that emphasises social emotional skills and nature-connectedness. According to the case study, aspects of care can be a part of the daily structures of the school, and the competences and atmospheres it strives to develop. Furthermore, the pedagogical forest environment gave unique opportunities to practice all aspects of care. Further research is needed to clarify the societal impacts of such approach. More teacher training is called for especially related to emotional education and how to integrate it with environmental education through a lens of caring.