The differences of nature experiences between urban and rural children
This study aims to investigate the differences between urban and rural children in experiencing nature through direct experiences and indirect experiences, as well as non- nature experiences. Questionnaires were distributed to 760 children from 20 schools located in urban and rural areas in Ked...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2018
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| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/13265/1/29093-89084-1-PB.pdf http://journalarticle.ukm.my/13265/ http://ejournals.ukm.my/gmjss/issue/view/1144 |
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| Summary: | This study aims to investigate the differences between urban and rural children in
experiencing nature through direct experiences and indirect experiences, as well as non-
nature experiences. Questionnaires were distributed to 760 children from 20 schools located
in urban and rural areas in Kedah and Penang, Malaysia. The data were analysed using mean
score, standard deviation and one-way analysis of variance. The results confirmed that direct
experiences with nature among children in both urban and rural areas have declined and
children obtain nature experiences mostly through indirect experiences. The results also
showed that there were differences between urban and rural children in experiencing nature.
Rural children have slightly more direct experiences with nature as compared to children in
urban areas, but further analysis showed that the differences of direct experiences between
children in Urban Kedah and Rural Kedah were the one that significantly differ with each
other. As for indirect experiences, urban children have more indirect experiences with nature
as compared to rural children. Meanwhile, for non-nature experiences, there was no
difference between urban and rural children. Overall, this study suggests that urban and rural
location do influence the frequency of children’s experiences with nature particularly the
frequency of direct experiences with nature. However, having nearby nature within children’s
places and spaces is rather more important in making a significant difference on how frequent
children have direct experiences with nature. This study further highlights the importance to
reconnect both urban and rural children with nature within their daily places and spaces such
as home yard, neighbourhood areas, playground, and schools. The directions of future
research are also discussed. |
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