Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 update
Connecting Social and Natural Ecologies Through a Curriculum of Giving for Student Wellbeing and Engagement
A trip to a Great Barrier Reef island led to a grounded theory of five dimensions of giving (to self, others, communities, environment and the whole), offered as a beginning framework for teaching with meaning and social concern.
What's new
Using hermeneutic phenomenology, this study reports on a trip by 18 college students, 4 staff and the author to a remote Great Barrier Reef island. It describes how the group rediscovered the social and natural ecologies that bind people together. It suggests that explicitly teaching about these ecologies can help young people take part in, contribute to and sustain them. The author offers a grounded theory of five dimensions of giving as a starting framework for meaningful, socially engaged teaching.
Why it matters in Aotearoa
Residential and island trips are common in EOTC in Aotearoa. The five dimensions of giving offer a way to plan these trips around meaning and contribution to others and the environment.
Putting it into practice
When planning a camp or trip, build in at least one explicit activity for each of the five dimensions of giving. Ask students to reflect on them afterwards.
How strong is the evidence
A qualitative study of one trip with a small group. The author offers the framework as a 'beginning' framework.
What to read
The section describing the five dimensions of giving.