Nature-based education. A rampart of quality interactions in early childhood centers in times of pandemic

Authors

  • Caroline Bouchard Université Laval https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5030-9378
  • Anne-Sophie Parent Faculté des sciences de l'éducation, Université Laval
  • Michèle Leboeuf Faculté des sciences de l’éducation, Université Laval
  • Jennifer Couttet Faculté des sciences de l'éducation, Université Laval
  • Émilie McKinnon-Côté Faculté des sciences de l'éducation, Université Laval

Keywords:

COVID-19, pandemic, quality of interactions, early childhood center, nature-based education, outdoor education

Abstract

This research aims to describe the quality of interactions in six groups of children (aged three to five) experimenting with nature-based education in early childhood centers (ECE), before (T1) and during (T2) the COVID-19 pandemic, and to study its influence on the latter. No significant decline in the quality of interactions in the natural environment was observed between T1 and T2. The interviews with the educators reveal that wearing personal protective equipment (e.g., surgical mask) was nevertheless a hindrance to the quality of the interactions, while the continuity of the experiences in the natural environment favored it. Nature-based education seems to be an innovative solution to challenges in ECE centers within a pandemic context, as well as other contexts.

Author Biographies

Caroline Bouchard, Université Laval

is a professor in the Faculty of Education at Université Laval and director of the Unité mixte de recherche (UMR) Petite enfance, grandeur nature. caroline.bouchard@fse.ulaval.ca

Anne-Sophie Parent, Faculté des sciences de l'éducation, Université Laval

M. A. is a doctoral candidate in educational psychology at Université Laval, a lecturer, and a research assistant at the UMR Petite enfance, grandeur nature. anne-sophie.parent@fse.ulaval.ca

Michèle Leboeuf, Faculté des sciences de l’éducation, Université Laval

M. A. is a professor in the Faculty of Education at Université Laval and director of the Unité mixte de recherche (UMR) Petite enfance, grandeur nature. caroline.bouchard@fse.ulaval.ca

Jennifer Couttet, Faculté des sciences de l'éducation, Université Laval

B. ENS. is a master's candidate in educational psychology at Université Laval, lecturer, and a research assistant at the UMR Petite enfance, grandeur nature. Jennifer.couttet@fse.ulaval.ca

Émilie McKinnon-Côté, Faculté des sciences de l'éducation, Université Laval

M. A. holds a master's degree in educational psychology from Université Laval. She was a research assistant with the UMR Petite enfance, grandeur nature. emilie.mckinnon-cote@fse.ulaval.ca

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Published

2024-01-21

How to Cite

Bouchard, C., Parent, A.-S., Leboeuf, M., Couttet, J., & McKinnon-Côté, Émilie. (2024). Nature-based education. A rampart of quality interactions in early childhood centers in times of pandemic . McGill Journal of Education / Revue Des Sciences De l’éducation De McGill. Retrieved from https://mje.mcgill.ca/article/view/10314

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