Outdoor education is gaining recognition as a vital part of modern education, with research clearly demonstrating its positive impact on students’ cognitive, emotional, and physical development. This article explores the growing evidence base supporting the integration of outdoor environments into today’s educational practices, highlighting how nature can serve as a powerful resource for learning.
The Benefits of Outdoor Learning
Research consistently shows that outdoor learning, whether nature-based or curriculum-based, yields positive results for students. A comprehensive review of 58 UK studies revealed that nearly all forms of outdoor learning positively influenced defined educational outcomes (Fiennes et al., 2015). This includes improvements in academic performance, increased well-being, and improved behavior. It’s not just about moving lessons outdoors; it’s about creating a meaningful connection with nature and the local environment.
Key Factors for Effective Learning
For outdoor learning to be effective, it requires more than just being outdoors. Studies show that long-term engagement, such as intensive projects over several days or regular outdoor sessions throughout the year, has a greater impact. Well-planned preparatory and follow-up work is also crucial (Fiennes et al., 2015). Some researchers recommend that educators use a theory of change or logic model to clearly define the goals of outdoor learning and how specific activities will achieve these goals (Jucker, 2022).
Elements that Promote Learning
Several specific elements in outdoor environments and activities have been linked to positive student outcomes. These include:
- Student Agency: Providing students with opportunities to influence and participate in decisions related to their local environment, such as designing a school garden or planning a nature trail (Charles et al. 2018; Chawla, 2009).
- Natural Materials: Access to loose parts and natural materials like sand, water, and plants stimulates creativity and exploration. For example, children might use sticks and leaves to build a miniature shelter, fostering problem-solving skills (Brussoni et al., 2017).
- Nature-Rich Settings: Forest settings or ‘greened’ playgrounds with shrubs and natural features enhance the learning environment. Imagine students studying plant life cycles in a school garden filled with diverse flora (Coe et al.,2014; Pagels et al., 2014; Fjørtoft, 2004; Söderström et al., 2013).
- Student Autonomy: Student-led approaches that promote independence and choice in learning activities, such as allowing students to choose their own research topics within a broader theme (Dettweiler et al., 2023).
- Risky Play: Age-appropriate risky play promotes resilience and problem-solving skills. This could involve activities like climbing trees or building a rope swing under supervision (Sando et al., 2021; Lavrysen et al., 2017; Brussoni et al.,2015).
It’s important to remember that effective teaching principles apply both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor learning must be planned, assessed, and resourced carefully to ensure the same quality as indoor education. High-quality teaching methods are just as important outdoors as they are indoors.
Impact on Cognition, Well-being and Behavior
Wide-Ranging Benefits
The impact of outdoor learning extends far beyond the purely academic. A large body of research highlights the positive effects of nature on cognition, well-being, behavior, and physical health for both children and adults. For example, nature exposure has been shown to improve attention, memory, and mood (Norwood et al., 2019).
Childhood Development
Increased exposure to green spaces during childhood is linked to increased physical activity and a reduced risk of obesity and neuropsychiatric problems (Islam et al., 2020). More ‘green time’ is linked to better psychological well-being and can mitigate the negative effects of excessive ‘screen time’ (Oswald et al., 2020).
Measurable Advantages
Nature-specific outdoor learning provides measurable socio-emotional, academic, and well-being benefits (Mann et al., 2022). Exposure to green spaces is positively linked to children’s behavior (Zare Sakhvidi et al., 2022).
Children’s Desire for Nature
Although children today spend less time outdoors compared to previous generations (Natural England, 2009), studies show that they enjoy being outside and desire more outdoor experiences (Thomas and Thompson, 2004; Natural England, 2023).
Promising Research
While research on the specific effects of outdoor learning in schools is still developing, recent studies show promising results. Outdoor teaching can be more effective than traditional classroom instruction, and nature-based learning shows a dose-response relationship, meaning that increased time outdoors correlates with greater positive effects (Kuo et al., 2022). These positive effects have been observed across various subjects, learners, teaching methods, and research designs. One study even showed that outdoor learning improved long-term memory of course content and fostered positive student attitudes towards learning (Children & Nature Network).
Cognitive Gains
Furthermore, research indicates that incorporating outdoor learning can lower stress and improve its regulation (Dettweiler et al 2017; 2023).
Implementing Outdoor Education
Bridging the Gap
To take advantage of the potential of outdoor learning, schools and teachers must take active steps to integrate it into teaching. Many children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are losing touch with nature (Shanahan et al, 2015; Hunt et al, 2016). Schools have a unique opportunity to provide all students with access to nature, promoting equality and reducing disparities in health and academic outcomes (Jordan, 2020). A systematic review of nature-specific outdoor learning provides strong evidence of the benefits (PMC).
Practical Steps for Schools
Here are some ways schools can start:
- Enhance the Schoolyard: Add natural elements such as plants, trees, and grass to the schoolyard. Consider creating a school garden where students can learn about plant life cycles and grow their own food.
- Utilize the Local Environment: Use nearby parks, fields, and forests for learning activities. For instance, a school trip to a nearby lake could allow students to study the local ecosystem, collect water samples, and observe aquatic life.
- Integrate Nature Indoors: Introduce natural elements indoors, such as plants, nature pictures, and nature sounds. Even playing recordings of natural sounds can create a more calming learning environment.
Increasing Outdoor Time
Increasing the time students spend outdoors can provide significant benefits. Strategies include:
- Outdoor Activities: Conduct everyday activities such as reading, story time, or circle time outdoors.
- Curriculum Outdoors: Teach curriculum lessons in outdoor settings. For example, a math lesson could involve measuring the circumference of trees or calculating the area of a garden bed.
- Outdoor Breaks: Build in extra outdoor breaks during the school day to improve focus, behavior, and self-regulation. Even a short 15-minute break in nature can help students recharge.
- Support Interventions: Use outdoor time as an intervention for students who are struggling indoors. The change of scenery and fresh air can often help students who are feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
- Student Choice: Create opportunities for students to choose whether to participate in activities indoors or outdoors. This gives students a sense of autonomy and control over their learning environment.
Interestingly, both learning and play sessions have been observed to be quieter outdoors (Goldenberg et al, 2024), suggesting that outdoor environments can help manage classroom noise levels. Experimenting with outdoor learning and observing the effects on students’ focus, behavior, enjoyment, and mental health can provide valuable insights for tailoring outdoor learning initiatives to specific school contexts and student needs.
Challenges and Solutions
Addressing Common Barriers
While the benefits are clear, implementing outdoor learning isn’t without its challenges. One common barrier is a lack of teacher confidence in leading outdoor lessons. Providing professional development and opportunities for teachers to experience outdoor learning themselves can help overcome this. Another challenge is ensuring equitable access to quality outdoor spaces. Schools in urban areas may need to be creative in finding or creating green spaces. Partnering with local parks and community organizations can be a solution.
Curriculum Integration
Integrating outdoor learning into a packed curriculum can also be a hurdle. Teachers may need support in finding ways to connect outdoor activities to existing learning objectives. Providing examples of curriculum-linked outdoor activities, like using natural materials for math lessons or conducting science experiments in the school garden, can help.
Weather Considerations
It’s important to acknowledge weather conditions. While learning can happen in many weather conditions, extreme weather may require adjustments. Having alternative indoor activities planned is always a good idea.
The Future of Learning
A Symbiosis of Indoors and Outdoors
By embracing outdoor learning spaces and integrating them thoughtfully into educational practice, schools can harness the power of nature to improve student learning, well-being, and overall development. It’s no longer about *if* we should use outdoor environments in teaching, but *how* we best do it. The future of education should strive for a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor learning, where nature is seen as an integral and valuable resource for creating a more engaging, relevant, and holistic educational experience for all students. Investing in outdoor education is investing in future generations – and in a more sustainable and healthy future for us all. Research consistently demonstrates the positive relationship between experiences with nature and learning (PMC).