Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 update
Green Schoolyards as Outdoor Learning Environments: Barriers and Solutions as Experienced by Primary School Teachers
Dutch primary teachers found barriers to teaching in green schoolyards and worked out practical solutions: just start, get training, use real-life experiences and build an outdoor mindset.
What's new
This two-year participatory action research project followed teachers at five primary schools in the Netherlands. In total, 75 teachers took part in 20 meetings. Teachers reported four groups of barriers: outdoor learning has no formal status, they lack confidence in their outdoor teaching, getting started is hard, and there are physical constraints. Teachers, professionals and researchers developed solutions together. These became five recommendations: just do it, get educated and inspired, engage in real-life experiences, develop an outdoor pedagogical mindset, and follow a tailored process.
Why it matters in Aotearoa
Many Aotearoa schools have grounds that could serve as everyday outdoor classrooms. The study gives a practical roadmap for helping teachers use them.
Putting it into practice
Support teachers to take one regular lesson into the school grounds each week, with professional learning and a process designed around the school's own site and needs.
How strong is the evidence
This is a substantial participatory study of 75 teachers over two years. Its findings are teachers' experiences and solutions, and the abstract reports no student outcomes.
What to read
The barriers and solutions themes, and the recommendations.