Experience Management Based on a Nature-Based Approach Integrated with the Mindfulness Education Concept to Promote Pro-Environmental Behavior in Early Childhood

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1) promote pro-environmental behavior in early childhood using a nature-based approach integrated with the mindfulness education concept, and 2) compare the pro-environmental behavior of early childhood students before and after the implementation of the activities. The target group for this study consisted of nine early childhood students aged 4-5 years old at Ban Sawang Chiang Whang School under the Yasothon Primary Educational Service Area Office 1, who are enrolled in the first semester of the 2024 academic year. The research instruments included 1) an experience-based learning plan to develop pro-environmental behavior in early childhood using a nature-based approach integrated with the mindfulness education concept, and 2) a pro-environmental behavior assessment form for early childhood students. Data were analyzed using basic statistics were mean, standard deviation, and the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test.

              The research findings revealed that: 1) the majority of early childhood students exhibited pro-environmental behavior during learning activities in three key aspects: Knowledge about the environment, positive attitudes toward the environment, and age-appropriate environmental conservation practice.           2) A comparison of pre-test and post-test scores across all three aspects showed a significant increase (Pre-test mean score = 8.78, Post-test mean score = 26.22, Score difference = 17.44). The pre-test scores were different from the post-test scores. Therefore, it can be concluded that Pro-environmental behavior of early childhood after the experiment increased significantly at the .05 level.