Nature-Based Exposures of Learners to Elicit Discovery-Oriented Skills and Behaviors

Authors

  • Anesito L. Cutillas

    College of Arts and Sciences & Education, Cebu Technological University, Argao Campus, Argao 6021, Philippines
  • Maria Estela V. Sarahina

    College of Business Education, Saint Francis College Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, Inc., Guihulngan City 6214, Philippines
  • Jerome L. Abregana

    College of Education, Cebu Technological University, Argao Campus, Argao 6021, Philippines
  • Jayvie Bryle C. Camilo

    College of Education, University of the Visayas, Dalaguete Campus, Dalaguete 6022, Philippines
  • Leo Carlo D. Casinillo

    Dalaguete National High School, Dalaguete 6022, Philippines
  • Jonalyn D. Cadorna

    Willy B. Wenceslao Memorial National High School, Santander 6026, Philippines
  • Marietta O. Oyangoren

    College of Education, University of the Visayas, Dalaguete Campus, Dalaguete 6022, Philippines
  • Christine C. Zuasola

    Babag National High School, Lapu-Lapu City 6015, Philippines
  • Cristy Lane R. Quarteros

    Babayongan Elementary School, Dalaguete 6022, Philippines
  • Maria Alexia G. Flores

    Argao National High School, Argao 6021, Philippines
  • Gemma Genelyn L. Relacion

    Langtad Elementary School, Argao 6021, Philippines
  • Val Alesna Bacarisas

    Gelacio C. Babao Sr. Memorial National High School, Carcar City 6019, Philippines
  • Vilma R. Alegado

    Ocaña Central Elementary School, Carcar City 6019, Philippines
  • Eldin D. Camposo

    College of Arts and Sciences, City College of Cagayan de Oro, Cagayan de Oro City 9000, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v7i7.8341
Received: 7 January 2025 | Revised: 20 January 2025 | Accepted: 30 June 2025 | Published Online: 29 July 2025

Abstract

Nature-based learning is essential for holistic child development, as it integrates direct experiences with the natural environment into educational practices. It cultivates environmental awareness and stewardship, preparing students to be more conscious and responsible toward ecological sustainability. This paper explored the experiences of science high school teachers in implementing nature-based learning in science education and identify the changes in students’ discovery-oriented skills. This qualitative exploration provides insights into the role of nature-based learning in shaping students’ inquiry skills and their overall engagement in science education. High school science teachers (n = 30) from Central Visayas, Philippines were purposively sampled to be interviewed. The findings indicated that exposure to nature-based learning environments cultivated key discovery-oriented skills, including problem-solving, curiosity, and observation. Students were engaged in real-world environmental challenges, developing adaptive problem-solving abilities through experiences such as field research and ecosystem assessments. Curiosity can be developed as students encountered dynamic natural settings that encouraged inquiry and independent exploration, leading to engagement with scientific phenomena. Observation skills were also relevant, as students learned to track patterns, recognize trends, and make scientific predictions. Furthermore, nature-based educational activities contributed to behavioral shifts, encouraged a growth mindset, resilience, and increased inquisitiveness. Learners embraced uncertainty as a natural aspect of scientific exploration, demonstrating a willingness to adapt their approaches and seek deeper understanding through analytical questioning. There is a promise of integrating nature-based learning into educational policies and pedagogical development by promoting inquiry-based instruction, encouraging adaptive problem-solving skills, and strengthening growth mindset among students.

Keywords:

Experiential Learning; Nature-Based Learning; Science Education; Science Skills

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Anesito L. Cutillas, Maria Estela V. Sarahina, Jerome L. Abregana, Jayvie Bryle C. Camilo, Leo Carlo D. Casinillo, Jonalyn D. Cadorna, Marietta O. Oyangoren, Christine C. Zuasola, Cristy Lane R. Quarteros, Maria Alexia G. Flores, Gemma Genelyn L. Relacion, Val Alesna Bacarisas, Vilma R. Alegado, & Eldin D. Camposo. (2025). Nature-Based Exposures of Learners to Elicit Discovery-Oriented Skills and Behaviors. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 7(7), 355–369. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v7i7.8341

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Vol. 7 , Iss. 7 (July 2025): In Progress

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Copyright © 2025 Anesito L. Cutillas, Maria Estela V. Sarahina, Jerome L. Abregana, Jayvie Bryle C. Camilo, Leo Carlo D. Casinillo, Jonalyn D. Cadorna, Marietta O. Oyangoren, Christine C. Zuasola, Cristy Lane R. Quarteros, Maria Alexia G. Flores, Gemma Genelyn L. Relacion, Val Alesna Bacarisas, Vilma R. Alegado, Eldin D. Camposo

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