top of page
Asian Institute of Research, Journal Publication, Journal Academics, Education Journal, Asian Institute
Asian Institute of Research, Journal Publication, Journal Academics, Education Journal, Asian Institute

Education Quarterly Reviews

ISSN 2621-5799

asia institute of research, journal of education, education journal, education quarterly reviews, education publication, education call for papers
asia institute of research, journal of education, education journal, education quarterly reviews, education publication, education call for papers
asia institute of research, journal of education, education journal, education quarterly reviews, education publication, education call for papers
asia institute of research, journal of education, education journal, education quarterly reviews, education publication, education call for papers
crossref
doi
open access

Published: 30 November 2020

How Nature Walk Program Affects the Behavior of Children with Learning Disabilities

Jocelyn Alberto Floresca

College of Science University of the Philippines Baguio

asia institute of research, journal of education, education journal, education quarterly reviews, education publication, education call for papers
pdf download

Download Full-Text Pdf

doi

10.31014/aior.1993.03.04.157

Pages: 500-509

Keywords: Adapted Physical Activity, Natural Environment, Nature Activity, Intervention

Abstract

Experience with nature is particularly known to influence a person’s health and wellbeing. This case study identified behavioral changes in children with learning disabilities who underwent the Nature Walk Program. An intervention tool designed to let the participants experience nature activities. The study’s participants have cases of mild autism and down’s syndrome. Undergoing the Nature Walk Program resulted in the increased positive desire to participate in succeeding intervention sessions, improvement in their memory level, and awareness and sensitivity to the natural surroundings. All of these led to positive behavioral changes. Another important factor found in the success of the program as an intervention tool is the facilitators’ knowledge in handling the activities, which helps in the success of this endeavor. The study’s intervention tool hopes to be a model and instrument in affecting participants’ awareness of themselves with the aid of the natural environment through carefully selected outdoor activities. As a conclusion, utilizing the natural environment can also affect emotional behavior, social relationships, and the actual state of mind of children with learning disabilities.

References

  1. Alter, A. (2013) How Nature Resets Our Minds and Bodies. Drunk Tank Pink and Other Unexpected Forces That Shape How We Think, Feel, And Behave. Copyright © 2017 by the Atlantic monthly group. All Rights Reserved. Available at www.theatlantic.html

  2. Abera M., J. Robbins, and M. Tesfaye (2015) Parents’ Perception of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Problems and Their Choice of Treatment Option in Southwest Ethiopia. Child Adolescence Psychiatry Mental Health. 2015; 9: 40. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-015-0072-5

  3. Baraldi C., Farini F. (2013) Trust and Facilitation in Educational Interactions. In Warming H. (Eds) Participation, Citizenship and Trust in Children’s Lives. Studies in Childhood and Youth. Palgrave Macmillan, London Pp. 132-153. DOI: 10.1057/9781137295781_8

  4. Bjorge S., T. Hannah, P. Rekstad, and T. Pauly (2017). The Behavioral Effects of Learning Outdoors. https://sophia.stkate.edu/maed/232

  5. Borg G. (1982) Psychophysical Bases of Perceived Exertion. Medicine In Science And Sports and Exercise. Vol. 14 No. 5 pp. 377-381

  6. Burns N. and Groove S. (2001) The Practice of Nursing Research: Critique, Conduct and Utilization 4th Edition W.B. Saunders Company ISBN 0-7216-9177-3

  7. Bright Tots, (2017) Educational Toys & Resource Guide to Child Development. all rights reserved. Copyright © 2004-2017 Bright Tots, Inc. Educational Toys & Resource

  8. Guide to Child Development. www.worldofautism.com

  9. Coon, J.T., K. Boddy†K. Stein, R. Whear, J. Barton, M., and H. Depledge (2011). Does Participating in Physical Activity In Outdoor Natural Environments Have A Greater Effect On Physical And Mental Wellbeing Than Physical Activity Indoors? https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es102947t

  10. Cranley L. G., J. Cummings, P. McGrath, F. Toth, and C. Estabrooks (2017) Facilitation Roles And Characteristics Associated with Research Use by Healthcare Professionals: A Scoping Review. BMJ Open 2017;7: e014384. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014384

  11. Doyle, C. (2018). A New Family Systems Therapeutic Approach for Parents And Families of Sexual Minority Youth. Issues in Law & Medicine, 33(2), 223. https://search.proquest.com/docview/2249001028?pq-origsite=gscholar&fromopenview=true

  12. Diamond A, Lee K. Interventions Shown to Aid Executive Function Development in Children 4 To 12 Years Old. Science. 2011 Aug 19;333(6045):959-64. DOI: 10.1126/science.1204529. PMID: 21852486; PMCID: PMC3159917.

  13. Floresca, J. (2015) Bird Watching as A Recreation and Nature Activity in Baguio City and Nearby Municipalities of Benguet Province Philippines: A Conservation Effort. Asian Journal of Applied Sciences http://www.ajouronline.com/index.php?journal

  14. Floresca, J. (2019) Nature Walk Program as Means of Reconnecting with The Natural Environment: An Alternative Physical Education. Education Quarterly Reviews ISSN 2621-579,  https://www.asianinstituteofresearch.org

  15. Frumkin, H. (2001). Beyond Toxicity. Human Health and The Natural Environment. am j prev med 2(3):47 – 53. Guidelines for The Identification and Management of Lead (n.d.). https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/2501/

  16. Hanscom A. (2014) |Nature is the ultimate sensory experience: a pediatric occupational therapist makes the case for nature therapy. www.childrenandnature.org/

  17. Harris, F. (2017) outdoor learning spaces: the case of forest school. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/area. Area. 2018; 50:222–231 https://rgs ibg.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/area.12360

  18. Heart Online, (2014). Rating of Perceived Exertion: Borg scales –. www.heartonline.org.au/media/DRL/Rating_of_perceived_exertion_ pdf

  19. Heiman, S. (2014). A Study on The Perception of Brain Games and Their Effect on Memory and Cognitive Skills. University of Central Florida. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8f16/ff43ab487b60f1e2dfe447940e8d31b2dc90.pdf

  20. Kirkby, M. (1989). Nature as Refuge in Children’s Environments. Children’s Environments Quarterly 6:7-12

  21. Lam, S. (2018). Forest School Teaches Preschoolers Outdoor Risks and Catches On in Hong Kong. South China morning post Available at https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/education/article/2140536/

  22. Maynard, T. (2007). Forest schools in Great Britain: an initial exploration. Research article https://Doi.Org/10.2304/Ciec.2007.8.4.320

  23. Nock, M. and Photos, K. (2006) Parent Motivation to Participate in Treatment: Assessment and Prediction of Subsequent Participation. Journal of Child and Family Studies.  Volume  15, Issue 3, pp 333–346 | https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-006-9022-4

  24. O'Brien, L. (2009) Learning Outdoors: The Forest School Approach', Education 3-13,37:1,45-60. doi: 10.1080/03004270802291798url: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/0300427080229179

  25. O’ Brien L. and Murray R. (2007) forest School and Its Impacts on Young Children: Case Studies in Britain. Article in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening6(4):249-265 · DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2007.03.006

  26. Peacock, A. and Pratt, N. (2011). How Young People Respond to Learning Spaces Outside School: A Sociocultural Perspective. Learning Environments Research, 14, 11–24. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226165683

  27. Petrenko, C. (2013) A Review of Intervention Programs to Prevent and Treat Behavioral Problems in Young Children with Developmental Disabilities. n. DOI: 10.1007/s10882-013-9336-2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3821779/

  28. Pretty J., J. Barton, M. Sellens, and M. Griff. (2005) The Mental and Physical Health Outcomes Of Green Exercise, A Countryside For Health And Well-Being: The Physical And Mental Health Benefits Of Green Exercise. Sheffield: Countryside Recreation Network International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 15:5, 319-337, DOI: 10.1080/09603120500155963

  29. Pretty J., M. Griffin, M. Sellens and C, Pre. (. 2003). Green Exercise: Complementary Roles of Nature, Exercise and Diet In Physical And Emotional Well-Being And Implications For Public Health Policy. Ces Occasional Paper 2003 – 1. Colchester: University of  Essex. Https://www.Researchgate.Net/Publication/237471176_

  30. Scully D., J. Kremer, M. M. Meade, R. Graham, and K. Dudgeon (1999). Physical Exercise and Psychological Well-Being: A Critical Review. British Journal of Sports Science 32:11 – 20. DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.32.2.111

  31. Smith GE, Housen P, Yaffe K, Ruff R, Kennison RF, Mahncke and HW, Zelinski EM.  (2009). A Cognitive Training Program Based on Principles of Brain Plasticity: Results From The Improvement In Memory With Plasticity-Based Adaptive Cognitive Training (Impact) Study. J Am Geriatr Soc., 57(4): 57(4):594-603. DOI:10.1111/j.1532-5415.2008.02167. x. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19220558

  32. Tonge, B. (207). The Psychopathology of Children with Intellectual Disabilities.In: Bouras N, Holt G, editors. Psychiatric and behavioral disorders in intellectual and developmental disabilities. 2. New York: Cambridge University Press; 2007. Pp. 93–112.

  33. Williams, N. (2017). The Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale. Occupational Medicine, Volume 67, Issue 5, July 2017, Pages 404–405, https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqx063 

  34. Wolf, K.L., and K. Flora (2010). Mental Health And Function - A Literature Review. In Green Cities: Good Health College of The Environment, University of Washington. www.greenhealth.washington.edu

bottom of page