Informal learning setting

Environmental issues have become an increasing concern over the last few decades. Specifically, in Portugal, education on environmental problems has lacked compared with other European countries. In 2016, Portugal resolved to reduce its overall carbon emissions. As a part of that resolution, the country pledged to invest more in environmental education and awareness of the pressing issues of climate change in order to effectively promote environmentally-friendly behaviors in students. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are key in providing education to the next generation of leaders.

The research supporting a positive link between nature connection and many physical and psychological benefits for children is impressive. While the related research shows that a variety of activities can be effective in increasing nature connection in children, the potential of mindful engagement with nature as an intervention has not been investigated through quantitative studies. This study does so. It also investigated the association between nature connection and affective wellbeing in children.

A rich body of research documents positive connections between outdoor education and the social emotional learning (SEL) of children and youth. A related area of research receiving only limited attention relates to the intersection of SEL, outdoor education, and culturally sustaining pedagogy (CSP).

Scholars in Indigenous studies have identified ways in which educational programs and curricula socialize students into settler colonialism and the erasure of Indigenous culture. This paper describes an ongoing research partnership between two Indigenous studies scholars addressing this concern in outdoor education programs. Their work included the development and implementation of a series of professional development workshops for outdoor educators.

Farm Sprouts is a farm-based and nature-based preschool program designed to support the learning and positive development of young children in the context of the natural world. The program is framed around environmental stewardship, food systems, and nature. An evaluation of the Farm Sprouts program focused on the potential impact of the program on children's learning, their behavior, and family engagement.

Storytelling can alter one's place-based connection and feelings towards those experiences. Narratives and stories are deeply embedded into the practices of hunting and fishing. In some cases, the author noted, hunters and anglers spend more time talking about the hunting and fishing experiences than actually hunting or fishing. This article is a perspective piece in which the author explored how narratives can shape people's views of hunting and fishing.

Professional development for educators is important in order to better teach about various current events involving the environment and society. In many cases, professional development programs assume that teachers will take the learned knowledge and skills and apply it to their students with ease. However, with rising issues such as climate change, educators may require more tailored content and teaching strategies to build confidence to teach these complex issues and solutions to students.

Climate change is a social and environmental issue impacting many communities around the world. Understanding ways to mitigate and adapt to these impacts of climate change are important for the continued strength of local communities. In particular, younger generations can be crucial in spreading the lessons learned from climate change education with their use of social media and their increased motivation to act.

Changing an adult's mind about climate change is difficult. Studies have found that adults' political ideologies strongly influence their views on climate change – and that individuals tend to seek out information that fits their preconceptions. The complexity of climate change science and the availability of misinformation have added challenges to the process of building a strong collective response.

Taiwan created its nationwide ESD requirement, the Environmental Education Act (Act), as part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) programs and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Act requires about one-sixth of Taiwan's population, including all K-12 students and civil servants, to complete at least four hours of ESD instruction each year. Topics include the circular economy, climate change, sustainable development, reducing carbon emissions, and more.