Study maps what actually works in teaching kids about nature conservation
Researchers reviewed decades of school-based biodiversity education studies to identify which teaching methods stick with students. The findings could help schools, education publishers, and conservation nonprofits design more effective programs—and clarify where billions in environmental education spending yields real behavioral change.
Originaltitel: Mapping out the didactical landscape of biodiversity conservation education: a systematic literature review of empirical research in school settings
<p>Biodiversity conservation is a challenging and inherently complex topic that draws on both the natural and social sciences, which complicates its integration into formal school education. Global frameworks emphasize the key role of education in enabling transformative change to address biodiversity loss, yet research in this domain remains fragmented. This systematic literature review maps the field of Biodiversity Conservation Education (BCE) from a didactical perspective by examining how research on BCE interventions in formal school settings addresses content, teachers, students, and their learning environments. A search in Web of Science and ERIC databases for 2014–2026 yielded 863 articles, of which 46 were selected after systematic screening. A thematic analysis revealed diverse approaches to biodiversity conservation issues, students’ roles, pedagogical modalities, and teaching expertise. These findings highlight the particularities of BCE, positioning it as a subfield of Science Education and Environmental and Sustainability Education. Trends and gaps are discussed, offering pathways for future research.</p>