Institutional influences on the provision of after-school nature programs

Jim Absher; Anne S. Fege; Leanne Jacobson

doi:10.7721/chilyoutenvi.25.1.0057

Treesearch

Institutional influences on the provision of after-school nature programs

Formally Refereed

Authors:

Jim Absher, Anne S. Fege, Leanne Jacobson

Year:

2015

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Pacific Southwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7721/chilyoutenvi.25.1.0057

Source:

Children, Youth and Environments. 25(1): 57-79

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Download (PDF 342 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/48634.pdf

Abstract

This study examines the institutional factors that affect organizations' decisions to offer after-school nature programs. Data are from interviews of 31 staff and administrators of after-school programs in San Diego, CA. Results show support for the importance of nature education experiences in general, and that such activities are more likely to be offered if they directly support the agency's mission, if the on-site supervisor and/or a staff person has an interest or knowledge in that area, if delivery and cost issues are overcome, and if they have evidence that the children like the activity. After-school nature education providers can ease some of the logistic challenges by understanding the social dynamics and organizational issues involved.

Keywords

nature education, after-school programs, social influences, agency decision making, agency mission

Citation

Absher, James D.; Fege, Anne S.; Jacobson, Leanne. 2015. Institutional influences on the provision of after-school nature programs. Children, Youth and Environments. 25(1): 57-79.