Potential for excellence: interdisciplinary learning outdoors is a moral enterprise
The article presents Scottish teachers' views of outdoor learning and proposes it as an interdisciplinary moral enterprise.
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
356 items
Exploring the long-term effects for young women involved in an outdoor education program
A study looks at the effects on adolescent females of a ten-day journey-based outdoor programme, six to forty-two months afterwards.
Learning outside the classroom: Theory and guidelines for practice
A book of ideas and practical advice for learning outside the classroom in school grounds and local neighbourhoods.
Risk management in outdoor and adventure programs: Scenarios of accidents, incidents and misadventures
A book that uses real-life scenarios to show how to examine hazardous situations and apply risk management strategies.
Dreadful things can happen: Cautionary tales for the safe practitioner
The paper looks at how teachers balance keeping children safe with enabling the joys of outdoor participation, within a risk society.
An ethnography of the outdoor classroom: How teachers manage risk in the outdoors
The article examines how teachers manage risk in outdoor activities, and how that affects students' outdoor learning, through control, constraints and limits.
Learning our way to sustainability
The article argues sustainability needs collaborative action and social learning that produces new thinking, alternative values and co-created solutions.
Environmental education and the politics of curriculum: A national case study
A historical analysis shows the political nature of the school curriculum and suggests educators look to their own community for strength and leadership in environmental education.
Indigenous ways: fruits of our ancestors
The paper explores common characteristics of indigenous thought and practice and concludes they could inspire fundamental change in outdoor education.
Examining naturalistic decision making in outdoor adventure contexts by computer simulation
Computer simulations of field decisions show what information expert leaders look for, and that familiarity with the environment improved decisions and confidence.
Writing to learn: can reflection journals be used to promote self reflection and learning?
The article investigates reflective journals as tools for learning and assessment.
Assessment in senior outdoor education: A catalyst for change?
The authors argue assessment can drive student learning about sustainable relationships with the outdoors, and propose five catalysts for teachers.
All-girls adventure programmes: what are the benefits?
Girls reported three benefits of all-girls adventure programmes: safety and comfort, connection to others, and freedom from stereotypes.
The dramaturgy approach to education in nature: reflections of a decade of International Vacation School Lipnice courses, Czech Republic, 1997-2007
The article describes a course design that blends art, music, drama and adventure to balance physical, social, creative and reflective needs.
Thoughts on assessment
The chapter discusses formative assessment processes that fit experiential learning and includes assessment resources.
Using handhelds to support students' outdoor educational activities
A pilot gave handheld computers to Year 12 geography students on a field trip and produced recommendations for using them in fieldwork.
Time for change in outdoor learning
Outdoor learning is presented as an effective way to meet curriculum aims, with a call for fairer access and funding.
Reintroducing adventure into children's outdoor play environments
The article discusses declining outdoor play and how adventure playgrounds support learning, independence, self-esteem and positive risk-taking.
Differences in living and learning: Chinese international students in New Zealand
The article shows sociocultural factors beyond the learning experience are vital to good outcomes for Chinese international students in New Zealand.
International students in New Zealand: Needs and responses
The paper looks at international students' expectations and experiences in New Zealand and suggests proactive responses to their academic, social and financial needs.