Teaching Environmental Psychology by Doing It: Explorations in the Natural World

Abstract

We designed Field Studies in Environmental Psychology to bring to life the interdisciplinary areas of research and human experience with the natural world. The class is a 3-week intensive journey through some of the most stunning and remote natural areas in the Southwest. Over the past decade, we have taken 10–15 advanced psychology students at a time with an emphasis on timely and relevant research, a heavy dose of learning through service, and an experiential approach to the power of place. Students spend a week camping in a national park, focusing their efforts on specific research topics that vary based on location and need, with past projects focused on soundscapes, visitor studies, visibility, and sustainable transportation systems. During the final week of class, undergraduates experience team building by canyoneering and learning rope safety skills, capped off with a multi-day backpacking trip. Launching an experiential environmental psychology course creates challenges beyond those posed by the natural world. A supportive academic environment and trust among leaders is essential. Extensive planning and preparation are required, as any journey into the wilderness comes with challenges. To reduce the likelihood of these events, we always have several faculty members and a strong team of desert-experienced leaders to provide support. More than in any other educational endeavor, those who participate in field studies in environmental psychology have come back with a greater appreciation for the natural world, stating the class was the most educational, enjoyable, and personally transformative academic experience of their lives.