Ecological Education Reform in the Countryside: Proposal of a Learning Garden for Children Three to Eight

The current debate over where should countryside youngsters get their early educational services reflects some urgent and deep issues of education reform in China. Following the state mandate on beautiful and ecological new... [ view full abstract ]

The current debate over where should countryside youngsters get their early educational services reflects some urgent and deep issues of education reform in China. Following the state mandate on beautiful and ecological new China strategies, theoretical conceptualization on rural education development should be guided by a future-oriented framework. Proposed in this article is an ecological model for rural education reform based on experiential curriculum for children ( aged 3-8) served in the Learning Gardens in the countryside. In line with international practices of forest or bush schools, the Learning Garden model take outdoor learning activities in the natural environment as the most important elements, as well as experiential curriculum and cooperative teaching among teachers and community members. In essence, the building of close relationships with nature and community life is the key to success in this ecological education reform.