Peer-reviewed research2017–2026 update
Building resilience and teaching learners about sustainable living through outdoor swimming and water safety learning
Norwegian primary teachers used outdoor swimming and water safety lessons at a local beach to build learners' resilience and teach about sustainable living.
What's new
Norway's 2020 curriculum aimed to teach sustainable living through outdoor swimming and water safety. This study used 'sense of coherence' (comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness) as a framework to look at how two primary teachers taught these lessons at a local beach. Data came from observations and photo-elicitation interviews and were analysed with template analysis. Teachers built resilience through experiential learning, in which learners engaged with tasks, peers and their environment. The authors suggest that exposing learners to challenging water situations and giving them control over their learning process may build resilience and wellbeing.
Why it matters in Aotearoa
Water safety education in natural settings is a significant part of EOTC in Aotearoa. This study offers a way to connect aquatic learning with wellbeing and sustainability goals.
Putting it into practice
Within your existing water safety management, plan open-water sessions so they are understandable, manageable and meaningful for learners. Give learners some control over how they approach tasks.
How strong is the evidence
This is a small qualitative study of two teachers at one site. The links to resilience are interpretive and outcomes were not measured.
What to read
The findings organised under comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness.