Is it possible to develop pro-environmental ethics and behaviour in Physical Education? Results from a 8-month interventional study

Abstract

The objective of the Ecolo'coteaux intervention program was to facilitate the development of pro-environmental attitudes in a group of 70 children aged 10.1±0.6 years enrolled in a school where most children come from a disadvantaged background. The children were randomly assigned to a test group (n=42) and a control group (n=28). The test group participated in a comprehensive outdoor education program, which combined Forest School and Adventure Education during the school year, in addition to their regular physical education classes. Before, during and after the intervention, the children were assessed using Bogner's survey (2018), which aimed to classify children's environmental attitudes into three categories: anthropocentric, neutral, and ecocentric. Self-confrontation interviews were conducted during the program to gather qualitative data. Quantitative results did not show significant changes in the overall results during the program. On the other hand, the enactive interviews showed that the nature conservation attitudes of all three profiles were strengthened. However, nature appreciation scores decreased among ecocentric and neutral students, as if regular contact with nature was a challenge for these students that led them to appreciate it less. Overall, this program offers insights into the potential benefits of outdoor education programs for promoting environmental awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world.