Van dek naar diepte: een longitudinale studie naar de impact van een educatieve zee-ervaring op ocean literacy en nature connectedness
D’Haese, B. (2026). Van dek naar diepte: een longitudinale studie naar de impact van een educatieve zee-ervaring op ocean literacy en nature connectedness. MSc Thesis. Universiteit Gent, Faculteit Politieke en Sociale Wetenschappen: Gent. 80 pp.
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Document type: Dissertation
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| Abstract |
The ocean plays a fundamental role in sustaining human and ecological systems, yet remains conceptually distant for many adults. Ocean literacy (OL) initiatives attempt to bridge this gap, though empirical research continues to emphasize cognitive knowledge and youth-focused education. The affective dimension of ecological learning, particularly nature connectedness (NC), is understudied, and little is known about how adults learn from short-term marine experiences over time.
This study examines the impact of a one-day, experiential sea excursion aboard the RV Simon Stevin on OL and NC among adults, using a three-wave longitudinal design (pre, immediate post, six-month follow-up; N = 45 → 36 → 24). Participants completed validated measures of OL and NC. Linear mixed models tested changes over time, the predictive value of baseline NC for subsequent OL, and potential moderation effects. Qualitative reflections contextualised participants’ experiences.
Results show a modest but reliable increase in OL knowledge immediately after the excursion, with limited change in attitudinal and behavioural components. NC-self exhibited a short-lived increase, while other NC dimensions remained stable over time. Baseline NC predicted overall OL levels but did not moderate learning gains. Qualitative accounts highlight initial wonder followed by a gradual normalisation of the experience.
These findings demonstrate that short, high-quality marine experiences can support cognitive learning but have fragile affective impacts. By integrating cognitive, affective and experiential components within a longitudinal framework, this study contributes to emerging Ocean Literacy Research and advances understanding of how adults learn from brief marine encounters. |
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