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ERIC Number: EJ1230011
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1038-2046
EISSN: N/A
Transdisciplinary Learning in a Kitchen Garden: Connecting to Nature and Constructing a Path to Ecoliteracy?
Wallace, Heather D.
International Research in Geographical and Environmental Education, v28 n4 p309-323 2019
This article reports on a qualitative investigation of Australian, grade 4 primary (elementary) school children's reflections on their learning in a year-long kitchen garden program. Focus group interviews, journal collection, and observations were conducted with three cohorts of students (age 9-11 years) to give insight into whether kitchen garden programs can assist with connecting children to nature and developing ecoliteracy. Findings suggested that frequent visits by the children to the garden assisted with building familiarity and ownership of the garden. This intimacy with the garden created the basis for perceptive observations on changes to the plants and animals in the garden, increased empathy with living creatures, and built interest in the natural environment. Some children also discovered complex interconnections and noted their actions could affect the health of the environment. Facilitated, reflective discussion enabled the primary aged students to explicate their increased engagement with and concern for nature. It is contended that, over time, immersion in transdisciplinary kitchen garden learning experiences can develop students' "ecoliteracy."
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A