The purpose of this study is to explore the behavioral and attitudinal changes in elementary school students participating in a play-based environmental education program at Neulbom School and to analyze the practical reflective experiences of the ins...
The purpose of this study is to explore the behavioral and attitudinal changes in elementary school students participating in a play-based environmental education program at Neulbom School and to analyze the practical reflective experiences of the instructors who implemented the program. To achieve this, a program centered on play and hands-on activities related to environmental themes was applied to lower-grade elementary students. The research subjects included the participating children and the instructors. Data were collected through the children’s activity outputs, photographs and video materials from the classes, and in-depth interviews with the instructors. The collected data were categorized and themed into meaningful units through constant comparative analysis.
The results of the study revealed that the children experienced an increase in intimacy and empathy toward nature and the environment, showing a cognitive shift by connecting environmental issues to their daily lives. Furthermore, they expressed a specific willingness to practice environmental protection, with their pro-environmental behaviors extending into their home and school lives. Meanwhile, the instructors who operated the continuous and sequential program also underwent a transformation in their perception of environmental education, demonstrating a desire to reflect on and expand their own educational practices.
These findings suggest that play-based environmental education in the context of Neulbom School is an effective educational approach for integrally enhancing elementary students' ecological sensitivity across emotional, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions. Simultaneously, it demonstrates a positive impact on the professional awareness and practical competence of environmental education instructors. This study highlights the educational value of play-based environmental education within the new educational setting of Neulbom School and provides practical implications for developing sustainable environmental education programs that consider children's developmental characteristics.