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Organized by: SFU School for International Studies — https://www.eventbrite.com/o/115371328401Thesis Title: Exploring the Short- and Long-Term Impacts of Childhood Forest School Education on Pro-Environmental Commitments
Abstract: This exploratory qualitative study investigates how childhood forest school education influences short-term pro-environmental behaviour and value transformations and long-term ecological commitments. It uses a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative data from nine semi-structured expert interviews with forest school educators from Europe, North America, and Oceania, and a complementary retrospective survey dataset of six adult forest school alumni. Rather than establishing direct cause-and-effect links, this study examines participant perceptions and individual trajectories to understand the role that forest school education plays in shaping pro-environmental commitments. Interview findings suggest that a core goal of forest school educators is to inspire students to develop long-term pro-environmental commitments. Moreover, forest school educator observations indicate that childhood forest school attendance helps cultivate short-term value and behavioural changes, with children shifting from initial hesitation or carelessness toward Nature into developing empathy, respect, and place-based attachments. Educator and retrospective alumni data further suggest that childhood forest school experiences may serve as a foundational catalyst for enduring ecological commitments, manifesting in adulthood through environmental activism, environmentally focused academic and career pursuits, and ecologically conscious daily habits. Through exploring educator goals, outdoor classroom observations, and adult alumni reflections, this research illustrates how childhood forest school education shapes pro-environmental values, behaviours, and commitments across different life stages.
Kaitlyn McLay is an MA Candidate at the Simon Fraser University School for International Studies.
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM PT
Location: HC1500 & Zoom. Zoom link will be emailed to RSVP list on day of event.
Chair: Nicole Jackson
Senior Supervisor: Megan MacKenzie
Committee Member: Nazanin Shahrokni
External Examiner: Christine Winter (University of Otago)
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Event venue
SFU Harbour Centre - Room 1500, 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K3, CA, Canada
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