Peer-reviewed researchEONZ research brief
Outdoor education and sustained student wellbeing: a scoping review
A review of 20 studies found 80 per cent reported positive wellbeing outcomes from outdoor education, sometimes lasting months or years.
What's new
This scoping review examined 20 studies. Eighty per cent reported positive wellbeing outcomes, including relationships, personal growth, self-efficacy and achievement. Benefits occurred across programmes of different lengths and were sometimes sustained for months or years. Twenty per cent found mixed or insignificant changes, and the authors note variable study quality.
Why it matters in Aotearoa
The review connects outdoor education with wellbeing, identity and relationships, which goes beyond physical activity or recreation. It is useful evidence for discussions about curriculum and school priorities in Aotearoa.
Putting it into practice
Use the findings on relationships and personal growth when explaining to your school community what an outdoor programme is for.
How strong is the evidence
Peer-reviewed scoping review of 20 studies. The authors note variable study quality, and 20 per cent of studies found mixed or insignificant changes.
What to read
The abstract, results and limitations