13: Why Teach Outdoor Learning in Primary Education?

Outdoor learning can provide a dramatic contrast to the indoor classroom. Direct experience outdoors is more motivating and has more impact and credibility. Through skilled teaching, interpretation or facilitation, outdoor experiences readily become a stimulating source of fascination, personal growth and breakthroughs in learning (English Outdoor Council, 2018).

In outdoor learning children learn through what they do, through what they encounter and through what they discover. Children learn about the outdoors, themselves and each other, whilst also learning outdoor skills. Active learning readily develops the learning skills of enquiry, experiment, feedback, reflection, review and cooperative learning. There is no limit to the experiences and curiosities that outdoor environments and activities can arouse. Children frequently discover potential, abilities and interests that surprise themselves and others. Safety codes provide clear boundaries and learning goals give clear direction, but outdoor learning draws in energy and inspiration from all around.