Influence of Green Nature Exposure on School Students Cognitive Performance: Literature Review

In recent years, studying the connection between natural environments and learning rate has become more important. Nature has the capacity to improve the learning process by reducing stress, increasing overall well-being, and restoring attention. Due to the importance of learning in childhood and during school, it is important and necessary to study the influence of nature on school students’ learning. In this article, we have provided a literature review studying the influence of green nature exposure on cognitive performance of students aged ۸-۱۸ years. Outdoor learning, green playgrounds, walking in nature, putting plants in classrooms, and nature views are examples of nature exposure. These exposures differ in the amount and length of experience and are divided into two groups: active and passive exposures. In this article, we have selected English experimental and quasi-experimental studies with comparison groups. Results have provided considerable support for cognitive advantages of green nature interventions on selective attention, sustained attention, and working memory. In the reviewed articles, the underlying causes of these benefits have also been studied and are mentioned as enhanced well-being, cognitive restoration, and reduced stress. All of these causes can show a connection between nature and cognitive performance. On the other hand, the differences were also discussed in this article, such as age differences and school financial levels, for having a wider impression of the influence that nature can have on cognitive performance. The results of this study show that providing facilities for nature exposure in learning environments can increase cognitive performances of school students. A good place to establish green environments for enhancing cognitive performance and learning is in schools and such places can consider more “green” experiences for better educational results.

Keywords:

Green nature , Cognitive performance , Students , Children