The Effects of the Natural Environment and Classroom On-Task Behavior
File(s)
Date
2018-10-15Author
Burow, Mitchel
Advisor(s)
Papadimitriou, Melina
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This Action Research Study is designed to evaluate the effect that brief exposure to the natural
environment every day before class has on classroom on-task behavior. In comparative studies,
nature has shown to have a positive effect on energy, cognitive abilities, attention, self-esteem,
and overall health. However, it is uncertain if these effects are immediate or are caused by total
immersion in the natural environment over a long period of time. This research took place in a
suburban public Montessori school classroom with 20 students, ranging in age from 9 to 11 years
old. This study analyzed data from a survey given to classroom students, before and after an
eight-week observation period. Additionally, observations of on-task behavior, number of
redirections required during a work period, and student attendance were collected by the
researcher. By exposing children to the natural environment for a brief period before each school
day, the on-task behavior of student increased and the number of redirections required by the
classroom teacher decreased. The frequency of student tardiness also decreased on weeks when
students began the day outside.
Subject
environmental education
teaching outdoors
academic achievement
classroom engagement
student focus
on-task behavior
Natural environment
Permanent Link
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/78804Description
Research Paper, M.S.E., Montessori, UWRF, 2018.