Forest schools in Turkey in times of COVID-19

Say S., Gunes G., Batı K.

JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION, vol.53, pp.340-354, 2022 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 53
  • Publication Date: 2022
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/00958964.2022.2132463
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, IBZ Online, Periodicals Index Online, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Environment Index, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Greenfile, Pollution Abstracts, Psycinfo
  • Page Numbers: pp.340-354
  • Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, early childhood education, forest school pedagogy, outdoor schooling
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study explores the significance of forest schools in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically their effects on children's developmental areas. This study was conducted with nine preschool teachers and 134 children attending a public forest school in southern Turkey in 2021. A combination of observation protocols, anecdotal records, and in-depth interviews, applied as part of a phenomenological approach, were the preferred data collection tools. The results showed that forest schools can tolerate learning losses and offer vital support for children's psycho-social, motor skills, and cognitive development, while simultaneously promoting environmental sustainability values and behaviors.