ERIC Number: EJ1388877
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1472-9679
EISSN: EISSN-1754-0402
'Our Forest School Isn't Just the Trees.' Forest Schools: Micro-Communities for Social and Emotional Development
Blackham, L.; Cocks, A.; Bunce, L. Taylor
Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, v23 n2 p158-169 2023
Forest School provision is a growing phenomenon in the UK due to its perceived impact on participant learning and wellbeing. This study sought to understand the impact of Forest School provision on the social and emotional development of participants using practitioner's reflections. Semi-Structured interviews with six qualified Forest School Leaders explored practitioner experiences working with children and young people. A thematic analysis with a social-constructionist epistemology revealed three interrelated themes, which are inherent in the Forest School ethos. These themes show Forest Schools to be micro-communities constructed by participants. The study concluded that Forest School micro-communities are established by each Forest School that is formed. These micro-communities contribute to the social and emotional development of children and young people through the construction of a shared space, fostering a sense of community and a shared power paradigm between leaders and participants.
Descriptors: Outdoor Education, Social Emotional Learning, Foreign Countries, Elementary Secondary Education, Teacher Attitudes, Educational Environment, Sense of Community, Power Structure, Teaching Methods, Teacher Leadership
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A