FEATURE: OUTDOOR LEARNING


Exploring the positive impact of outdoor learning on students


of Coronavirus during these in-school periods, enhanced ventilation was highlighted as one of the key methods. We would argue that nowhere has better ventilation than the outdoor classroom, when engaging with outdoor learning. However, while it is currently very timely and apt to have these discussions, we do not want conversations around increasing outdoor learning to be resigned only to the Covid-19 recovery phase. Outdoor learning isn’t free play, as some may


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n our second look at outdoor learning this month, Dawn Miskelly, Operations Director


at Ulster Wildlife, examines the link between learning outdoors and positive mental and physical wellbeing, and offers some suggestions for increasing the exposure children have to the great outdoors. In 2020, it was widely reported that people were connecting with the outdoors and nature more than ever as the Coronavirus pandemic restricted activities and inspired appreciation of the natural world. Schools closed to curb the spread, and pupils began extended periods of home schooling, broken up with school holidays and brief periods back in the classroom. When considering ways to mitigate the spread


mistakenly think. The Institute for Outdoor Learning explain it as ‘a broad term that includes discovery, experimentation, learning about and connecting to the natural world, and engaging in environmental and adventure activities.’ It transforms a pupil’s skills, knowledge, behaviours and attitudes while leading to a host of benefits that positively impact both the individual pupil and society as a whole. Increased outdoor learning has been linked to


improving pupils’ health and wellbeing in a host of ways. Even without involving ‘adventure’ based lessons, pupils are engaging in physical movement to get outside and participate in the class. This activity is not only beneficial from a viewpoint regarding exercise and physical health, but activity stimulates the brain and nervous system which in turn increases a pupil’s energy, focus and attention. In relation to physical health, however, in a


generation where electronic devices and apps reign supreme, outdoor learning can inspire a student to be more physically active in their free time. This knock-on positive impact of taking their lessons outdoors is effective in the fight against


32 www.education-today.co.uk


childhood obesity. Learning outdoors is also often linked with


other neurological and emotional benefits. Throughout the pandemic many people were using their ‘one walk a day’ as an opportunity to ‘clear their head’. Indeed, time spent outdoors decreases stress levels which students will find particularly beneficial for subjects they perhaps find challenging. Learning in an environment with a greater number of plants and greener, natural views has been shown in studies to have resulted in lower levels of stress amongst pupils. As well as this, reports suggest ‘alarming’ levels


of Vitamin D deficiency in the UK, due to our long winter months and time spent indoors. In the last year, Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to vulnerability to Covid-19. Taking students outside, wrapped up well for lessons in the winter sunshine, can help build strong bones, regulate immune and muscle function and contribute to overall health. Outdoor learning makes lessons more


interactive and enjoyable for pupils. It is often cited as a more memorable and fun way to teach subject matters, as connecting the topic with the world around us gives a tangible example or point of reference. It is described by the previously mentioned Institute of Outdoor Learning as providing ‘purposeful experiences in the outdoors [that] can be a catalyst for powerful and memorable learning’. Stemming from the interactive and enjoyable


nature of outdoor learning, it also helps increase student’s motivation to learn. A 2016 study by Plymouth University also found that it improves


May 2021


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