Abstract
The article presents a SWOT analysis of a long-term outdoor environmental education program, on-going since 1996. In this program, the fifth-grade classes in a public elementary school in a rural region of northern Israel have been contributing to the conservation of the Lesser Kestrel, an endangered species. The program is based on outdoor activities, continuing throughout the year. Students learn about the Lesser Kestrels, usually outdoors, build nesting boxes, and guide an adult audience on a special day held as part of their outdoor activities. The aim of the study was to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) that enable the ongoing existence of the Lesser Kestrel outdoor environmental education program at this school. Twenty-four professionals from different backgrounds, all having several years’ familiarity with the program, participated in the study and provided their perspectives. The SWOT analysis was based on the deductive content analysis and used a triangulation, including a focus group, semi-structured interviews, and a questionnaire. The results relate to the Lesser Kestrels, students, teachers and school administration, parents, and the regional council. The strengths and opportunities seem to outweigh the threats and weaknesses of such a program, enabling the program’s long-term success. In summary, it can be proffered that long-term outdoor environmental education programs which enable the achievement of environmental education goals over time can have significant positive impacts, both environmentally and with the communities involved, and are sustainable, given appropriate attention is given to relationships involving experts and funding bodies.
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Acknowledgements
I would like to extend my great appreciation to members of the Falcon School, particularly the school principal, for their participation and openness and to all the participants who answered the questionnaire. I also appreciate Dr. Dafna Gan for her contribution and thorough work.
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Gal, A. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats: a SWOT analysis of a long-term outdoor environmental education program in Israel. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42322-023-00125-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42322-023-00125-5