Written by: Mieke de Wit, WUR

On 1^st October 2024, 30 teachers from primary, TVET and (applied) university education gathered to discuss teaching methods that engage the heart, as well as the mind, with biodiversity. The workshop was a collaboration with Deltaplan Biodiversiteitsherstel, Green Deal Onderwijs and Aeres University of Applied Sciences.

The introductory conversation revolved around the importance of finding a way to convey the value of biodiversity. Making a transition to a more nature-inclusive society can be difficult and uncomfortable at times. It is often not enough to understand biodiversity cognitively; you must also feel it from the heart and connect with it. It was suggested to regard nature as a friend or partner, where you take care of each other and are there for one another, even when it’s inconvenient.

The focus then shifted to teaching methods that engage hands, heart and mind. All participants brought an example, all of which were displayed on a clothesline. The group split up and went outside to try three different teaching methods. Afterwards, it was discussed how the participants had experienced these methods, how they compared to their own examples, and how they could be adjusted to fit different educational levels.

After the workshop, all teaching methods were studied and divided into three categories: 1) a sense of wonder for nature (marveling at nature), 2) putting yourself in nature’s shoes (emphasising with nature), 3) standing strong together (experiencing their interdependence in an ecosystem). These were collated into an article meant to inspire teachers at all educational levels, which was published (in Dutch) online in October 2025.