Introduction
Hey you, have you always wanted to know how our little hedgehogs learn their letters and numbers? Well, you are in luck!
Welcome to our Outdoor Learning EXTRAVAGANZA!
So allows us to introduce you to our topic.
Outdoor Learning
Expeditions, woodland and coastal learning, youth activity courses, school trips, outdoor sports coaching. This sounds exciting, right?
These are only a few examples of Outdoor Learning but it includes any kind of discovery, experimentation, learning about and connecting to the natural work, and engaging in environmental and adventure activities.
So why would we use this?
Outdoor Learning involves developing children's knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviour through direct engagement with the outdoor environment. This benefits children personally and socially!
Task
WE WILL "ROCK" YOU! (Haha, super good nature joke)
My dearest little hedgehogs,
Time to go on "excursion"!
We have collected resources for you which will provide you way more information on Outdoor Learning. Super cool, right friends?
The task itself:
You have 20 minutes to go through the resources on the process tab and use the information that you think will help answer the questions that we gave to you in the presentation. After this, we will meet each other again to have a Socratic seminar.
Do you still remember the questions? If not, NO WORRIES. The questions are repeated here in the evaluation tab.
Process
Research
Inclusion through access to outdoor education: Learning in Motion
Can Outdoor Education be used for physical and sensitivity training of people with disabilities? How could this be achieved?
Read: Conclusion (page 13 of the PDF/ 110 of the book)
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232950580_Inclusion_through_access_to_outdoor_education_Learning_in_Motion_LIM
Green inclusion: Biophilia as a necessity
The idea of biophilia is that everybody needs contact with nature in order to develop. Outdoor Learning and Inclusion foster the development of self-esteem, peer-to-peer socialization, positive teacher-student relationships, and a positive attitude towards school.
Read: Summary
https://research.childrenandnature.org/research/environmental-education-promotes-the-inclusion-of-children-with-special-needs-and-addresses-their-biophilic-needs/
Outdoor Education and the Inclusion of Children with Special Needs
Outdoor Education provides unique benefits and obstacles for children with special needs. How can the inclusion of children with special needs be improved?
Read: Chapter: 3.2 Outdoor Education and special needs (p. 15-18)
http://liu.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:942099/FULLTEXT03.pdf
Inclusion of Children in Outdoor Education
Children with disabilities have different needs regarding playgrounds and the environment. How can playgrounds be more accessible for children with disabilities?
Read: Accessibility to Playgrounds (p. 35- 36)
http://www.buv.su.se/polopoly_fs/1.75640.1328875902!/menu/standard/file/TKH_43.pdf
Impacts of Outdoor Environmental Education on Teacher Reports of Attention, Behavior, and Learning Outcomes for Students With Emotional, Cognitive, and Behavioral Disabilities
What are the effects of outdoor science on students with and without disabilities? How does outdoor education affect students’ attention, behaviour and academic achievement?
Read: Introduction
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2018.00046/full
Websites
Institute for Outdoor Learning – About Outdoor Learning
A brief summary of the connection between outdoors and education and how this leads to the concept of Outdoor Education.
Discover: Infographics
https://www.outdoor-learning.org/Good-Practice/Research-Resources/About-Outdoor-Learning
Learning through Landscapes – Outdoor Lesson Ideas
Review some of the lesson suggestions/ideas on Outdoor Education and see what specific links you can make to your lens.
Discover: Learning activities/lesson plans by skim reading
https://www.ltl.org.uk/free-resources/
Erasmus Training Courses – Outdoor Education courses: a new way of teaching and learning
How to implement Outdoor Education in the classroom. A course designed by Erasmus Training Courses on the importance, implementation and personal benefits.
Discover: Main objectives of the course
https://www.erasmustrainingcourses.com/outdoor-education.html
Videos/TED Talks
TEDx Talks – Nature Kindergarten
How Outdoor Education contributes to students well-being, developing a broad skill-set, judgements and becoming stronger individuals through the use of Nature Kindergarten
Watch 3:06 - 15:23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOngsiy67YY&feature=youtu.be
TEDx Talks – What Nature Teaches Children
The term “Kindergarten” (child care center) in German means “Garden of the children”. Why should children learn outdoors? What can children learn from nature at an early age?
Watch: 0:25 - 3:45
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhas9OEc1Lk
Learning through Landscapes – Health and wellbeing through outdoor learning
An example of Outdoor Education, the benefits and how outdoor learning contributes to their wellbeing (both physically and mentally)
Watch 0:00 - 2:45
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC-CCwCPQws
Podcasts
Disconnect: The Outdoor Education Podcast - An Interview with Wynnston Denny: Small Steps - Start Small, Start Early
This episode discusses the challenge, and the benefit, of creating meaningful learning opportunities outside, starting small and moving forward from there.
Start listening: 13:38 - 20:06
https://disconnect.pinecast.co/episode/67223edbcb254e78/small-steps-start-small-start-early
Podcast with guest Marina Puerto: An Exclusive Episode with Hedgehog Learning 101
Our guest talks about her experience with Early Years & Outdoor Education in the UK, benefits and challenges are presented, along with suggestions for future teachers in training.
Start listening: 00:00 - 7:14
Hedgehog Learning 101 by Hedgehog Learning | Free Listening on SoundCloud
10 tips for teaching outside: An interview with Megan Zeni, the Classroom Gardener
Megan Zeni shares her tips for teaching outside - including knowing the benefits of outdoor learning, developing relationships with students outside and establishing trust in children to go outside and participate and engage in hands-on learning experiences.
Start listening 07:50 - 13:53
#7 – 10 tips for teaching outside: An interview with Megan Zeni, the Classroom Gardener (pinecast.co)
Evaluation
The questions:
For everyone:
- What does Outdoor Learning mean to you?
International Education & Outdoor Learning
- How can International Education be connected to Outdoor Learning?
Inclusive Education & Outdoor Learning
- How does Outdoor Learning cater to Inclusive Education?
Disability & Outdoor Learning
- What are a benefit and an obstacle to use Outdoor Learning for students with special needs?