What the study found
The abstract says that education in forest settings can support learning about socio-ecological risk, meaning the ways social and environmental factors interact to create risk. It also suggests that understanding local views of forest value and risk can help inform sustainable forest management and active learning.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say young people need knowledge and skills to critique the failings of modernity and manage risk in a time of global environmental change. They conclude that environmental education should be balanced with critical understandings of risk across different societies.
What the researchers tested
The article draws on forest research in Australia, Nepal, and Switzerland. It describes the use of constructivist pedagogies, meaning teaching approaches that build learning through direct experience, such as walks, rides, explorations, monitoring, and analysis of different ideas about sustainable forest management.
What worked and what didn't
The abstract reports that understanding local perceptions of forest value and risk generated knowledge useful for conceptions of sustainable forest management. It also states that forest-based learning can develop knowledge and skills and may support young people to become advocates and actors for positive change.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not provide detailed data, sample sizes, or specific outcomes from each country. It also does not describe limitations in the available summary.
Key points
- Forest education is presented as a way to support learning about socio-ecological risk.
- The abstract emphasizes the importance of understanding local perceptions of forest value and risk.
- The article draws on forest research in Australia, Nepal, and Switzerland.
- Constructivist teaching approaches are described, including walks, rides, explorations, monitoring, and analysis.
- The authors say young people need knowledge and skills to manage risk in a time of global environmental change.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Forest education is linked to learning about socio-ecological risk
- Authors:
- Douglas K. Bardsley
- Institutions:
- The University of Adelaide
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-10
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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