Research-Based Learning About Nature Conservation Influences Students’ Attitudes and Knowledge

(1) Background: A successful teaching practice and a proper understanding of environmental conservation require developed research abilities and a positive attitude toward nature. Nineteen female students at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences spent ten days in one national park and participated in project activities related to nature conservation. This study aimed to investigate how the stay in nature and the active involvement of students will contribute to their attitudes and knowledge acquisition. (2) Methods: A questionnaire was used to assess the students’ attitudes and knowledge about protected areas before and after the project activities in the national park. The Wilcoxon test was used to determine the statistical significance of differences in attitudes, while the Chi-square test was used to examine the differences in their acquired knowledge. (3) Results: The research showed that students had positive attitudes towards nature protection before and after the project activities. The positive attitudes were confirmed after the project activities were carried out even among those students who did not have them initially. A significant increase in students’ knowledge after the ten-day stay in the national park was noticed. (4) Conclusions: The study results have provided insight into the ability of future teachers to promote sustainable lifestyles and ecological activities. Hands-on nature-based learning significantly foster future teachers’ ecological awareness, their environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behavior.