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

6 items

Peer-reviewed research2017 Otago review (McNatty & Boyes)

'The woods is a more free space for children to be creative; their imagination kind of sparks out there': exploring young children's cognitive play opportunities in natural, manufactured and mixed outdoor preschool zones

Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning 16(2), 172-1892016International

A study of four-to-five-year-olds suggests including natural features in outdoor preschools supports a wider range of cognitive play.

Early childhood and nature play
Peer-reviewed research2017 Otago review (McNatty & Boyes)

Curious play: children's exploration of nature

Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning 16(4), 318-3292016International

The article uses 'curious play' to understand children's free play in nature, seeing children as active explorers who build knowledge.

Early childhood and nature play
Peer-reviewed research2017 Otago review (McNatty & Boyes)

Children's views and preferences regarding their outdoor environment

Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning 15(2), 152-1672015International

Children who helped decide how their school ground was built wanted challenge and security, exploration, contact with others, and natural features.

Early childhood and nature play
Peer-reviewed research2017 Otago review (McNatty & Boyes)

Reintroducing adventure into children's outdoor play environments

Environment and Behavior 41(2), 268-2802009International

The article discusses declining outdoor play and how adventure playgrounds support learning, independence, self-esteem and positive risk-taking.

Early childhood and nature playRisk and safetyWellbeing and mental health