In the Forest Prescription project, individual study planning discussions (HOPS*) between teachers and students were conducted outdoors. Traditionally, teachers and students have held annual discussions related to the student’s personal study plan in classroom settings, and during the corona pandemic, they have done so sitting down via distance communication.
In the Forest Prescription project, students were offered the opportunity for approximately a half-hour walking discussion in a natural environment. In the pilot phase, this option was chosen by 16 first-year students of information technology and 3 first-year nursing students.
When asked about their experiences and possible impacts on their well-being after the situations, 16 students responded positively. According to the responses, the positive effects were felt as relaxation and calmness (6 responses) and refreshment and invigoration (8 responses). Additionally, the responses highlighted the positive effect of outdoor activities and fresh air alongside indoor study.
Students described the effects in the following ways:
- Walking refreshed, and it’s more natural to talk while walking.
- I felt much more relaxed talking to the teacher. It also felt easy to get to know the teacher.
- Conducting study-related discussions in the forest while walking was refreshing and provided more ”space to be” than traditional meeting rooms.
- It was refreshing to be outdoors in nice weather instead of always sitting in a classroom. It was more relaxed to discuss things.
- Outdoor activity refreshed after sitting indoors all day. It was a reminder for me that outdoor activity is good!
Out of a total of 19 students, 18 recommended conducting HOPS* discussions as walking discussions in the future as well. Several responses also expressed a desire for more nature-related content in course implementations. There was also a wish to go outside in spring and early autumn and generally in better weather conditions.
- Definitely worth continuing. Walking in nature is refreshing and suits continuous sitting indoors well.
- It was nice to have this alternative.
- A little exercise during the day helped thinking.
- Discussing study plans and the start of studies in nature felt very relaxed. I would gladly have future discussions outdoors.
The number of students participating in HOPS* discussions was small. Additionally, students were given the choice between the walking HOPS* and the situation conducted in the classroom. Possibly, these students were already positively inclined towards outdoor activities and movement. However, the responses received support the positive results presented in the report of the Finnish Society of Sport Sciences. In conclusion, we propose that walking HOPS* discussions should be offered as an option for all students in the future.
*Personal Study Plan