Finnish student teachers’ conceptions and experiences of nature

ABSTRACT

Based on the premise that outdoor-oriented learning relies on students’ perceptions of nature, this study contributes to the development of outdoor-based education in the Arctic and northern context. The study analyses conceptions and lifetime experiences of nature as reported by students (N = 46) in Sustainability and Outdoor Education-Oriented Teacher Education in Finland. A web-based questionnaire was used to gather data for content analysis. The results revealed variations in the students’ perceptions, although all were very aware of their connection to nature in the Arctic. The findings confirm the need for teachers to be aware that students’ perceptions and lived experiences of nature affect their ability to work with nature-related issues. As those perceptions vary according to background, personal connections and existing knowledge, student-centred education for teachers should take account of these factors.

KEYWORDS:

• Outdoor learning
• nature
• teacher education
• students’ perceptions
• students’ experience of nature
• student-centred education

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Erika Sarivaara

Erika Sarivaara works as a Senior Lecturer at Department of Education at the University of Lapland. She gained her PhD in 2012 in education.

Pigga Keskitalo

Pigga Keskitalo works as a University Researcher at Department of Education at the University of Lapland. She gained her PhD in 2010 in education.

Ilkka Ratinen

Ilkka Ratinen works as an Associate Professor in the field of sustainability education at the University of Lapland. He gained his PhD at 2016 in education, and in geography 2005.