Investigation of Learners' Experience with Nature : aSouth African and German Perspective

Abstract

The research project compares two different gegraphical and cultural areas (Bremen/ Durban) regarding their experience of nature with the help of a standardized questionnaire (n=1682). Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted whereof four contrasting examples were analysed. Main results are: learners from Bremen and Durban engage in encounters with nature on a regular basis together with their families and friends. Rarely, they enage in such activities with their school. Besides this, a significant difference regarding connectedness with nature (Bremen M=3.14, SD=.64; Durban M=3.59, SD=.54), environmental identity (M=3.15, SD=.71; M=3.69, SD=.65) as well as intention to act nature-orientated (M=3.04, SD=.47; M=3.23, SD=.43) and sustainable (M=2.87, SD=.90; M=3.67, SD=.97) could be measured. In both groups an alienated and idealized perception of nature could be revealed.