Una revisión de alcance sobre programas de educación en contacto con la naturaleza y sus efectos en escolares

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Abstract

Objectives: The objective was to synthesize the main characteristics of educational programs based on contact with nature and their impacts on students, given that although the benefits of this education have been studied, little is known about the specific characteristics of programs implemented in school contexts. Materials and methods: The review was conducted following the guidelines of the PRISMA statement. ERIC, Google Scholar, Scielo, and Redalyc databases were used, covering studies from 2016 to March 2024. A total of 11 studies analyzing school programs involving 605 students were included. Results: Most of the programs reviewed were 60 minutes in duration per session, with a daily or weekly frequency, and ranged from one to three weeks. The programs took place primarily in natural settings such as backyards, forests, and parks. The main activities included natural environment exploration, flora and fauna identification, and greenhouse activities. These interventions were mainly implemented by teachers in the school context. Results indicated positive effects on both connections to nature and students’ academic performance. Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of integrating nature contact programs into school education to foster greater student connection with their natural environment. Although more research is needed in this area, the results suggest that these interventions can contribute significantly to students’ personal and academic development.