Nature in the Learning Environment: Exploring the Relationship Between Nature, Memory, and Mood
Ecopsychology
Format:
Journal Article
Publication Date:
Nov 30, 2013
Pages:
234 - 240
Sources ID:
36126
Collection:
Contemplation and Ecology
Visibility:
Public (group default)
Abstract:
(Show)
Numerous studies have found evidence for the restorative effects of nature, in which exposure to natural elements can improve both well-being and cognitive performance. The present study investigated whether the restorative effects of nature could be captured within the context of a university learning environment. Undergraduate students were split into two groups and listened to a short lecture. One group was taught within an environment that lacked any natural presence (the “artificial” condition) whereas the other group was taught within a classroom containing some simple natural elements (the “nature-infused” condition). Knowledge retention and mood were assessed. At the end of the lecture, participants in the nature-infused environment scored significantly higher on the test of knowledge than those in the artificial environment. This trend persisted 1 week later but was nonsignificant. Mood was not affected. These findings indicate that incorporating nature into learning environments could have a beneficial effect on student knowledge retention, at least over short periods of time.