TR
EN
Examination of Student Opinions on Forest School-Based Educational Practices
Abstract
This research was conducted to examine the opinions and experiences of secondary school students who experienced forest school-based education practices that adopted the principle of raising environmental literacy individuals. In the research, the case study method, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. The study group consisted of 5th grade secondary school students studying in a public school in a rural area. The researcher, who has a nature education certificate, prepared an education plan that lasts 10 weeks. The datas collected using a semi-structured interview form was analysed using thematic analysis method. According to the research findings, it was observed that the students' views on forest school-based education practices were positive. It was observed that the students established an emotional bond with the environment and had a protective attitude towards nature. Also, their behaviours' sensitivity towards environment have increased. In this context, the forest school approach, which is thought to be an alternative to traditional closed classroom environments, will ensure that students' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours towards the environment progress positively thanks to rich learning activities.
Keywords
Ethical Statement
The study was voluntary and anonymous for all participating students. Necessary permissions were taken from the Ethics Committee of Hacettepe University. In accordance with ethical standards, participants received information about the study’s objectives, the protection of their data, and the voluntary nature of their involvement. This study was prepared based on a part of the thesis named "The Effect Of Forest School-Based Education Practices On The Development Of Students' Environmental Literacy".
Thanks
I would like to thank Prof. Dr. S. Ahmet Kıray for his support in the writing of this article.
References
- Aydın, Y., & Aykırı, K. (2023). Primary school teachers’ views on the role of forest school in life science teaching. International Journal of Educational Research, 14(4), 304-324.
- Baierl, T. M., & Bogner, F. X. (2024). Cognitive learning about forests: the key role of environmental attitude. International Journal of Science Education, 47(3), 358–378. https://doi.org/10.1080/09500693.2024.2323917
- Barrable, A., & Arvanitis, A. (2019). Flourishing in the forest: Looking at Forest School through a self-determination theory lens. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, 22(1), 39-55.
- Barrable, A., & Booth, D. (2020). Nature connection in early childhood: A quantitative cross-sectional study. Sustainability, 12(1), 375.
- Bingley, A., & Milligan, C. (2004). Climbing Trees and Building Dens: Mental health and well-being in young adults and the long-term effects of childhood play experience. Institute for Health Research, Lancaster University.
- Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.
- Button, J., & Wilde, A. (2019). Exploring practitioners’ perceptions of risk when delivering Forest School for 3-to 5-year-old children. International Journal of Play, 8(1), 25-38.
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Science Education
Journal Section
Research Article
Publication Date
February 2, 2026
Submission Date
November 11, 2025
Acceptance Date
December 15, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 1
APA
Sarı, B., & Aydoğdu, C. (2026). Examination of Student Opinions on Forest School-Based Educational Practices. Journal of STEAM Education, 9(1), 69-92. https://doi.org/10.55290/steam.1821779
AMA
1.Sarı B, Aydoğdu C. Examination of Student Opinions on Forest School-Based Educational Practices. Journal of STEAM Education. 2026;9(1):69-92. doi:10.55290/steam.1821779
Chicago
Sarı, Berna, and Cemil Aydoğdu. 2026. “Examination of Student Opinions on Forest School-Based Educational Practices”. Journal of STEAM Education 9 (1): 69-92. https://doi.org/10.55290/steam.1821779.
EndNote
Sarı B, Aydoğdu C (February 1, 2026) Examination of Student Opinions on Forest School-Based Educational Practices. Journal of STEAM Education 9 1 69–92.
IEEE
[1]B. Sarı and C. Aydoğdu, “Examination of Student Opinions on Forest School-Based Educational Practices”, Journal of STEAM Education, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 69–92, Feb. 2026, doi: 10.55290/steam.1821779.
ISNAD
Sarı, Berna - Aydoğdu, Cemil. “Examination of Student Opinions on Forest School-Based Educational Practices”. Journal of STEAM Education 9/1 (February 1, 2026): 69-92. https://doi.org/10.55290/steam.1821779.
JAMA
1.Sarı B, Aydoğdu C. Examination of Student Opinions on Forest School-Based Educational Practices. Journal of STEAM Education. 2026;9:69–92.
MLA
Sarı, Berna, and Cemil Aydoğdu. “Examination of Student Opinions on Forest School-Based Educational Practices”. Journal of STEAM Education, vol. 9, no. 1, Feb. 2026, pp. 69-92, doi:10.55290/steam.1821779.
Vancouver
1.Berna Sarı, Cemil Aydoğdu. Examination of Student Opinions on Forest School-Based Educational Practices. Journal of STEAM Education. 2026 Feb. 1;9(1):69-92. doi:10.55290/steam.1821779