Orman Okulu Temelli Eğitim Uygulamalarının Öğrencilerin Çevre Okuryazarlığı Gelişimine Etkisi

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the impact of forest school-based educational practices on the development of pupils’ environmental literacy and to explore their experiences of lower secondary school pupils. In the study, the explanatory sequential design, one of the mixed-methods research designs, was employed. In this study, quantitative data were collected by using the "Environmental Literacy Scale for Secondary School Students", the "Environmental Awareness Scale" and the "Forest School Academic Achievement Test"; subsequently, the qualitative data to support these findings were obtained through semi-structured interview forms and pupils’ diaries. The study group consisted of 5th grade secondary school pupils receiving education at a state school in a rural area. A ten-week education programme was prepared by the researcher, who holds a nature education certificate. In order to analyse the quantitative data, a paired samples t-test was conducted to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference between students’ pre-test and post-test scores on the scales; furthermore, the qualitative data obtained from student interviews were analysed by using thematic analysis. According to the research findings, a statistically significant difference was identified between the students’ pre-test and post-test scores on the scales used. The students’ views on forest school-based educational practices were positive. It was observed that the students’ environmentally friendly behaviours and environmental awareness had increased, and that they had formed an emotional bond with the environment. It was found that the pupils adopted a protective attitude towards the environment. The forest school approach, viewed as an alternative to traditional classroom settings, demonstrates that knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards the environment are positively influenced by the enriched learning activities. Keywords: environment, the literacy of environment, forest school, secondary school students.