The aim of our project is to evaluate the collaboration between Naturpark Karwendel and the six nature park schools. Based on the results of the research we intend to give suggestions for optimisation. Moreover it is questioned, if a spillover-effect between nature park students and their parents can be observed. And if so, are there particular reasons that influence it. The methodology was divided by interviews for the first interrogation and a standardised questionnaires for the parents of the nature park students concerning the second interrogation.
Qualitative & quantitative results:
We divided the results of the qualitative interviews into three categories: functionality and commitment, purpose as well as expectations for the future. In the category of functionality and commitment it is clearly visible that there is general satisfaction of the cooperation with the Naturpark Karwendel. Furthermore, there is a successful internal and external communication between teachers, parents and the Naturpark Karwendel. All nature park schools rank their own commitment highly. Furthermore, all schools agree on enough teaching material. The schools see the existing social relevance in the meaningfulness of the cooperation. An important aspect of its relevance is that children get to know the region they live in and appreciate nature. Furthermore, the pupils should learn how to behave correctly in nature. Nature and environmental protection should be brought closer to the pupils. The schools expect further projects where the children can benefit from. Furthermore, the schools hope that the children's positive environmental behaviour will also affect their families.
The results of the quantitative research show that 121 of the guardians notice a change in the behaviour of their children as a result of attending a nature park school. 50 children talk about nature topics more often, 40 children ask questions occasionally about nature topics and 24 children spend more time in nature. 14 pupils get involved in conservation of nature. 60 guardians could not notice any change of behavior. The spillover effect shows that 86 of the interviewees were able to detect a change in their own behaviour because of their children. This includes behavioural changes such as generally more environmentally conscious behaviour, more time spent in nature or higher commitment to nature conservation. For 95 people, their behaviour towards nature and the environment has not changed.
When comparing what children learned and their willingness to communicate about the Naturpark Karwendel, it was recognised the children of the guardians, who learned a lot of new things, constantly talk about the Naturpark Karwendel. More than half of the respondents whose children occasionally talk about the Naturpark Karwendel have learned a lot of new things, more than a third have learned little new things and the remaining 12 percent have not learned anything new. When comparing these figures with the gender of the children, there are only minor differences.
Conclusion/ Fields of action:
By evaluating the interviews and sending out the questionnaire, we were able to identify essential fields of action for the association Naturpark Karwendel. On the one hand, nature park schools would like more illustrative material to be included in the teaching materials provided. In order to provide access to teaching material easier, an online platform would be one possible solution. Four out of the six nature park schools would make use of it. Furthermore, when providing information, it is particularly important to the nature park schools that the information on projects and excursions is presented in an even clearer and more transparent way. In addition, feedback discussions with the nature park about experiences with experts prepare a field of action to ensure the highest possible standard of the excursions. The Naturpark Karwendel was also keen to ensure that parents were asked about their opinion on school cooperation. It was found that a significant proportion of those questioned would like to receive information about the nature park or are considering volunteer work. Information mailings from the nature park directly to the parents are of importance here.
Finally, we would like to emphasize that the association Naturpark Karwendel plays an important role as a provider of practical environmental education and therefore bringing nature and environment closer to pupils. In addition, the nature park schools consider the cooperation to be very useful. By pointing out the fields of action, we hope to contribute to the optimisation of the cooperation.
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