Every year, there will be three thematic sharing about nature connectedness and outdoor education. Speakers from various sectors, such as o environmental educators, school teachers, parents, social workers and scholars, will be invited to share their expertise. The interflow of concepts, ideas and importance for the nature connectedness will be promoted with co-learn and co-construction of the new pathway for pushing the outdoor education in Hong Kong.
Nature is an indispensable "mentor" that aids in the personal growth and spiritual development of young children. Integrating outdoor environmental education with the school curriculum not only allows children to flexibly use their senses to explore their surroundings, but also fosters a love and appreciation for nature.
Holistic development education requires a diverse curriculum. Life-wide Learning and Other Learning Experiences are regarded as indispensable parts of school education, fostering students' lifelong learning abilities. Outdoor environmental education is one of the teaching approaches under Life-wide Learning and Other Learning Experiences, and it can be integrated with activities on other themes to provide a more comprehensive learning experience for students.
Education emphasizes fostering students' curiosity and instilling correct values, helping them become individuals with good character and diverse skills. We should seize the opportunities presented by the new primary curriculum to lead students outdoors, allowing them to personally experience various natural events and appreciate the wonders of life. Compared to traditional teaching methods, outdoor environmental education can provide students with more sensory stimulation, thereby enhancing teaching effectiveness.
Children in Hong Kong grow up in a materially prosperous society, which can often lead to overlooking the importance of environmental sustainability. However, the current education curriculum may not thoroughly and comprehensively promote environmental education, potentially undermining children's awareness of crucial concepts such as "caring for nature" and "waste reduction at the source", preventing them from recognizing the significance of sustainable development.
To address this issue, we have invited three expert speakers with extensive experience in environmental teaching and the implementation of sustainable development policies. Under the theme of "Outdoor Environmental Education and Environmental Sustainability", they will explore how to incorporate the concept of environmental sustainability into outdoor environmental education. This will allow students to personally experience the realities of climate change and environmental pollution, and practice environmentally friendly and pro-environmental behaviors in their daily lives.
Furthermore, to encourage greater public engagement in nature activities and showcase enthusiasm for outdoor pursuits, we have designated October to December as "Hong Kong Outdoor Education Month". We are honored to have Prof. WONG Kam-sing, GBS, JP, the former Secretary for the Environment, conducted a simple yet significant kick-off ceremony for "Hong Kong Outdoor Education Month".
Living in the bustling city, we seem to have overlooked many precious nature and wildlife in Hong Kong. Spending long hours in the classroom, looking out the window at the buildings, students may feel like Hong Kong is a concrete jungle. They are busy with homework and exams, leaving almost no time to stop and explore nature.
To keep students connected with nature in their school life, our sharing will focus on the theme "promoting outdoor environmental education in schools". Three experienced experts in education sector will share how to integrate outdoor environmental education into school teaching, and explore how to use outdoor activities to positively develop students' academic, moral and well-being through interaction with nature. In addition to discussing practical experiences of promoting outdoor environmental education in schools, the experts will also discuss the possibility of incorporating environmental education into the curriculum through curriculum reform.
Hong Kong is a bustling metropolis with beautiful nature and rich biodiversity.
However, as the pressures of life and school increase, our children may have fewer opportunities to experience this happiness. As mentioned in the book Last Child in the Woods, children may suffer from "Nature-deficit Disorder" and experience various problems due to their disconnection with the nature.
Therefore, we have invited three panel speakers with rich experience in children and youth education, outdoor and environmental education to discuss how to use nature-based activities to benefit children's health and cultivate their awareness of environmental care and protection, as well as establish a connection between children and nature in modern urban life.
