What Is Nature-Based Learning?

According to Jordan & Chawla (2019) nature-based learning or learning through exposure to nature and nature-based activities occurs in natural settings and where elements of nature have been brought into built environments, such as plants, animals, and water. It encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and behaviors in realms including, but not limited to, academic achievement, personal development, and environmental stewardship. It includes learning about the natural world, but extends to engagement in any subject, skill or interest while in natural surroundings (p. 2). 

Nature-Based Learning at Guttman

At Guttman, members of the Nature-Based Learning Faculty Group (Kras, 2024) design and embed nature-based learning experiences into their courses. Student feedback shows that these learning experiences offer benefits such as enjoyment, increased engagement in the lesson, improved well-being, and pro-environmental views (Kras, 2022, Kras, 2021; Kras et al., 2025).

Learn more about Guttman’s Nature-Based Learning Faculty Group and our findings on the Resource Page. For additional information, please contact Dr. Nicole Kras, [email protected].