Nature-based Learning Faculty Group 

Nature-based Learning Faculty Group @ Guttman Community College (Est. 2022)

Launched in 2022, the Guttman Nature-based Learning Faculty Group was developed to support faculty (full and part-time) to embed nature-based learning experiences into their courses. To date, there have been 17 faculty (full and part-time) participants, and feedback collected from over 350 students (feedback from Cohort 4 is in the process of being collected). Feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive. Students share that participating in these experiences provides enjoyment, increased engagement in the lesson, improved well-being, opportunity for social interaction with peers, and strengthened pro-environmental views. This exciting work is shared during our annual all-college Nature-based Learning Spring event where students and faculty share their experiences, on our open-education Green Guttman Academic Commons site, and through numerous presentations and publications. 

Read more about nature-based learning at Guttman below. 

• Kras, N., Martin, T., & Bahl, T. (2025). Learning beyond words: Initial findings on non-discursive learning in nature-based education. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 1–10.  

• Kras, N., Martin, T., Bahl, T., & Tesser, D. (2025). Incorporating nature-based learning experiences across disciplines: Inspirations from urban community college faculty. Change. 57, (1), 20-27. 

• Kras, N. (2024). A model for embedding nature-based learning across disciplines: A pilot study at an urban community college. The Community College Enterprise. 1-22.

• Kras, N. (2022). Nature-based learning at an urban community college: A case study at the Central Park Zoo. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 46, (6), 452-456.

• Kras, N. (2021). Exploring the benefits of ecotherapy-based activities at an urban community college. Community College Journal of Research and Practice, 45, (2), 117-123.