Exploring the key factors to the success of the organic gardening for primary schools project and potential obstacles that may reduce the efficacy of such initiatives
Authors
McCormack, Aoife
Issue Date
2014
Degree
BA (Hons) in Social Science
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
This is a study that asks the question: Which factors are key to the success of the organic gardening for primary schools project and what are the obstacles that may reduce the efficacy of such initiatives? Due to the nature of the research, a qualitative approach was used as it was deemed the most appropriate strategy, by way of utilizing in depth interviews with professionals and specialists involved with the organic gardening for primary schools project, that would yield the most comprehensive results. Themes that were considered significant in the findings are as follows: school gardens; effects on child behavior; children learning; and the mainstays of the organic gardening for primary school project. The findings illustrate the benefits of the school garden and its importance in this present day regarding the observable impact on children concerning their social, food and environmental milieu, while also encompassing the current curriculum. The findings reflect the potential of a relatively simple initiative to impact on behavior and on how this has important implications when considering how future generations could potentially interact with our planet. However, new insights resulting from the findings of the study in the areas of funding and resources for such initiatives suggest a need for further research. Authors Keywords: Environment, Children, Education