Gemma Goldenberg -- The impact of the learning environment on cognition, stress and behaviour

Описание: Gemma Goldenberg
University of East London

"The impact of the learning environment on children’s cognition, stress and behaviour"

Abstract: Earth is now a majority urban planet. Almost 70% of the world’s children are expected to grow up in cities by 2050 (UNICEF, 2019). Yet as access to nature decreases with each generation, research indicates that nature exposure is linked to physical, cognitive and emotional benefits for children including improved attention and self regulation.
A 2-year study of children’s engagement with natural environments showed that 12% of children in the UK have not been in a natural outdoor environment such as a park, forest or beach for over a year, with children from lower income households and ethnic minorities the least likely to visit natural environments (Hunt et al, 2016). It has been suggested that this may be perpetuating wider health and educational inequalities (Browning & Rigolon, 2019).
But what if children had more nature contact during the school day? If the lessons which ordinarily took place indoors, were moved outside instead? What would the impact be on their learning, stress levels and self regulated behaviour?
This talk will summarise some of the latest research on nature contact and outdoor learning, exploring the key theories which seek to explain why nature has a positive impact on children’s learning, behaviour and wellbeing. We will look at the impact of environmental variables such as noise, window views and clutter and how these relate to learning outside. Finally, I will explain my current research project which utilises wearable cameras, microphones and heart rate monitors to explore what happens with children’s cognition, stress and behaviour when their learning activities are moved outdoors. This research is the first of its kind, aiming to provide new insights into the impact of the learning environment.