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Environmental Education in a Culturally Diverse School

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 June 2015

Donna Tangen  and
Ruth Fielding-Barnsley
Donna Tangen*
Affiliation:
Queensland University of Technology
Ruth Fielding-Barnsley
Affiliation:
Queensland University of Technology
*
†Lecturer, School of Learning & Professional Studies, Queensland University of Technology, QLD 4059. Email: d.tangen@qut.edu.au
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Abstract

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School gardens provide a unique learning environment for English as Second Language (ESL) students; students are able to engage in experiential outdoor learning that will enhance in-class lessons. This study evaluated the effects of school gardening on ESL students' learning about good nutrition. Data collected indicated that there were positive gains in student learning and feelings of belonging to the school community. Indications from the study suggest that teacher attitudes play a big part in ESL student engagement in the learning process for environmental education. Garden-enhanced lessons about nutrition provided experiential learning for ESL students that effectively supported in-class learning.

Keywords

ESLschool gardennutritionexperiential learning
Type
Research Article
Information
Australian Journal of Environmental Education , Volume 23 , 2007 , pp. 23 - 30
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2007

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