8 Conclusion
We hope that this eBook has guided you through either the start or part of your transformative process in integrating nature connection into your teaching practice. By embracing the profound benefits of nature connection (psychological, cognitive, physiological, social, developmental, and spiritual) that we have described, we aim to foster a more inclusive, respectful, and holistic approach to education.
The literature, resources, and examples we have shared are only the start of an ever-growing and evolving educational space. Outdoor adventure programs are gaining worldwide recognition as an effective approach to engaging people struggling with a variety of difficult life circumstances, in a participatory process of change (Pryor et al., 2005). By leaning into creating relationships with other passionate educators in your community, your journey with nature connection will be strengthened and shared with students in increasingly impactful ways.
As you move forward, continue to plant the seeds of growth and understanding in your students’ minds. Embrace vulnerability, flexibility, and adaptability. We have designed this resource to support educators in their pursuit of exploring ways to incorporate connections to place and to nature in student learning. Through the background, testimonies, and examples provided, we hope to share impactful approaches to immersive outdoor experiences that inspire post-secondary learners who will champion connection with and respect for the living world, thereby contributing to a more regenerative relationship between humanity and the natural world. We encourage you to identify your own role within the spectrum of nature connection, examine benefits for your students, and explore new ways of articulating these benefits in programs that move toward an integrated approach to human, social and environmental health. By centering themes identified in this eBook and taking steps toward student empowerment through nature connection, you will not only enhance your teaching practice but also inspire your students to develop a profound and respectful relationship with the natural world.
In a complex world where we are often unsure of how to feel in the face of our hyper-modern, conflicted, individualized society, nature connection can help with healing. We hope that this eBook can be a companion in part of your journey, providing you with the tools and insights needed to create meaningful, transformative educational experiences that reconnect learners with the living world and their place within it. Together, we can cultivate a more sustainable and interconnected future.
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