The Field Guide audio series: mobile learning using place-based and inquiry-led approaches to promote adolescents’ interest in nature

Abstract

Facilitating the exploration of adolescents’ questions regarding nature is vital. Research suggests that their questions are important as they can reveal their interests in particular subjects and further guide their learning process. We designed a quasi-experimental study for 68 adolescents in an outdoor and indoor setting to assess the efficacy of the audio-learning materials in promoting their interest in learning more about nature. Although we did not find differences between the two settings, results show that the audio-learning materials impacted questioning by guiding participants’ focus on specific topics and promoting perceived learning. Participants also reported high satisfaction with the audio-learning materials and willingness to hear more and/or recommend them to others. As a result, we discuss the motivational role of audio-learning materials in promoting adolescents’ exploration of nature and interest in learning about nature-rich environments. We believe our study has educational and design-related implications. It problematizes how audio-learning materials may bring adolescents closer to nature and tests the potential of mobile technology as a medium. Our study also builds on existing educational strategies by further adding the importance of valuing the concept of place and its ecological and social dimensions to enhance adolescents’ contact with and interest in nature.