ISHS Acta Horticulturae 639: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Expanding Roles for Horticulture in Improving Human Well-Being and Life Quality
EFFECT OF HORTICULTURAL ACTIVITIES ON ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND BEHAVIOR OF YOUTH WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES |
| Authors: | Y. Yamaya, R.H. Mattson |
| Keywords: | horticultural therapy, environmental sensitivity, special education, Children¿s Environmental Response Inventory |
| Abstract:
A nine-month case study was conducted to examine impacts of horticultural activities on five high school students with learning disabilities. They were enrolled in a science course consisting of a classroom lecture and a horticulture lab. Prior to the study, students were asked to complete questionnaires providing information on horticultural and/or outdoor experiences. The Children’s Environmental Response Inventory (CERI) measured students’ environmental dispositions using a pre and post-test design. In addition, data was collected through individual interviews to obtain insights into student experiences. Results revealed both positive and negative changes in students’ attitudes toward the environment. The result of individual interviews indicated that each student responded to the class experience differently. However, despite these differences, an important result was that all students benefited from the activities with or without previous experiences in horticultural or outdoor activities. Furthermore, this study indicated that horticultural activities were beneficial to students with learning disabilities in some areas. | |
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