Needs analysis and revitalization planning for School Forest Welfare Services using mixed method

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the needs and suggest a revitalization plan for School Forest Welfare Services in Korea which is defined as “school-based services that provide forest education, forest healing, and cultural and recreational activities in the forest by creating, managing, and utilizing local or in-school forest environments to help children and adolescents develop and improve their quality of life.” To this end, using a mixed method, in-depth interviews and needs surveys were conducted with School Forest Welfare Service experts and teachers and parents of middle and high school students to understand the current status of School Forest Welfare Services and to identify their needs. As regards the current status, the environment for the services was assessed at the “middle” level while the forest welfare program was assessed at the “low” level. On the other hand, all the needs asked were found to be at a “high” level; especially, the needs for the “forest therapy” program, both for the selected group of and all students, were the strongest. In regard to revitalization, “programs linked to regular school curriculum,” “policies and budgets,” “green zone in school area,” and “expert supports by forest healing instructors and forest interpreters” were found to be demanded mostly. As a conclusion of the in-depth interviews and needs surveys, a plan to revitalize School Forest Welfare Services has been derived, which includes such objectives as; (1) to strengthen awareness of the necessity (assigning experts within the responsible institution to provide expertise, strengthening awareness among principals, teachers, and parents, and building social consensus with active publicity), (2) to prepare policy and legal basis, and (3) to establish a support system. This study was conducted to revitalize School Forest Welfare Services for adolescents in Korea, but it is hoped that School Forest Welfare Services will be developed and widely implemented for many children and adolescents around the world through diverse further studies.