Realising Values Education through Forest Programme

Overview

Despite the demonstrated benefits of forest schools in the western culture, Hong Kong schools faced challenges to implement similar programmes because of societal strong emphasis on academic performance and lack of nearby suitable natural venues, among others.

Following three cohorts of students (496 Primary 1) longitudinally in a pioneer forest school programme in Hong Kong, the feasibility, effectiveness and other conducive factors in establishing a local forest school programme was explored. The pre- and post-programme performance and attitude data showed great improvement in students’ self-management, patience, persistence and attitudes towards the nature. Regression analyses suggested students improved more when parents were more positive and less risk concerned. The speakers will discuss and recommend local teachers’ training, accreditation, and establishment of a risk management framework in the presentation.