Faculty of Education - Theses

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Author: CUMMING, FIONA × End date: 2019 × Start date: 2010 × Type: Masters Research thesis × Subject: education ×

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    A breath of fresh air: social marginalisation and wellbeing. Exploring an outdoor pedagogical approach to learning to promote self-esteem and engagement
    CUMMING, FIONA ( 2013)
    This study investigates an alternative outdoor learning strategy used to address issues of engagement and performance in a disadvantaged regional school in Western Australia. Through exploring the impact of such strategies we may gain an insight into the value of such approaches in promoting wellbeing and, in turn, education outcomes. Increasing cases of stress and other mental health related illnesses are a cause for national concern (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2010). Interestingly the AIHW (2010) identifies marginalised Australians as a group at risk, having shorter life span than groups of greater economic advantage. Kappos (2007) among others (Maynard, 2007) also offers evidence, which suggests that the reduced contact children have with nature can be linked with a decline in physical, mental and social development. Maller et al. (2005) maintain that contact with nature can act as a vehicle to reduce the burden of mental health and promote mental and emotional wellbeing along with physical wellbeing. A qualitative methodology frames the study design, which used a case study method bounded by a single case school with a timeframe of a 10-week term. Examining a specific outdoor learning approach known as forest schools, the case study’s aim was to explore the impact of this program on self-esteem and engagement and consequently identify emergent themes. The study suggests to me that there is potential for such a program to impact on areas of engagement and self-esteem through group connectedness, belonging and social interactions. This can be particularly important for disadvantaged youth. It was difficult, however, to establish a transfer of benefits in a classroom setting context. Related research in this field and to this study also suggests there is a need for more local research over longer periods of time in order to best examine different contexts of locations and understandings more conclusively.