Research

Research

Research, reports and guidance on education outside the classroom and outdoor education, with a plain-English summary of each and a link to the original. New items are added every week.

The library began with Education Outside the Classroom: Applied Research Readings 2010–2017(McNatty & Boyes, University of Otago, 2017). Later items were found, summarised and checked with AI assistance using the same method: every reference is checked against the publisher's record, every summary against the published abstract, and only items rated high confidence by two independent relevance checks are published. Summaries are a guide: read the original before citing it.

Research library

19 items

Peer-reviewed research2017 Otago review (McNatty & Boyes)

Why do children not play in nearby nature? Results from a Norwegian survey

Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning 16(3), 239-2552016International

A national survey of 3160 parents found time pressure was a bigger barrier to children playing in nearby nature than accessibility, safety or landscape quality.

International and cultural perspectives
Peer-reviewed research2017 Otago review (McNatty & Boyes)

Safety cultures in water-based outdoor activities in Denmark

Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership 7(2), 140-1572015International

The authors analyse safety cultures in small boat fishing, sea kayaking and kite surfing and argue for a broad managerial approach at many levels.

Risk and safetyWater and aquatic educationInternational and cultural perspectives
Peer-reviewed research2017 Otago review (McNatty & Boyes)

'Did you enjoy your holiday?' Can residential outdoor learning benefit mainstream schooling?

Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning 14(1), 1-232014International

The paper examines how residential outdoor learning relates to mainstream schooling in Scotland and how qualitative and quantitative studies fit together.

School camps and tripsLearning and achievement outcomesInternational and cultural perspectives
Peer-reviewed research2017 Otago review (McNatty & Boyes)

Examining the motivation and involvement of Chinese rock climbers

Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education, and Leadership 5(1), 54-732013International

A study finds Chinese rock climbing is male-dominated, motivated by escape from routine and learning about nature, and organised largely through websites.

International and cultural perspectives
Peer-reviewed research2017 Otago review (McNatty & Boyes)

The desire to learn as a kind of love: Gardening, cooking, and passion in outdoor education

Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning 13(2), 125-1412013International

A Danish organic school gardens project built students' desire to learn and their knowledge of nature, farming and food.

Learning and achievement outcomesTeaching and facilitation outdoorsInternational and cultural perspectives