Understanding pre-service geography teachers’ conceptions of nature using photovoice

Abstract

This study explored how pre-service geography teachers conceptualize “nature” using photovoice. The researcher analyzed the participants’ data to extract six themes: primary nature, secondary nature, nature as the law of things, nature as a relational geography, nature as a threatened place, and nature as a necessity for human well-being. The participants said that their conceptualizations of nature helped confirm their experiences and the level of their conceptualization of nature acquired through school education. This study has also helped the instructor understand students’ levels of conceptualization of nature and is significant as a guide to planning and practicing follow-up classes.