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Benefits of Outdoor Learning

Academic

Outdoor learning enhances: 
  • creativity and inspiration;
  • problem solving skills; and
  • ability to focus.
 
     Students looking down at science equipment

Environmental

Outdoor learning develops:
  • a greater sense of belonging outdoors;
  • curiosity about the places where we live and learn; and
  • responsibility to care for the more-than-human world.
 
students at outdoor learning space

Health

Outdoor learning means:
  • moving more and sitting less;
  • stress relief; and improved mood.
 
 students standing looking up at a large tree

Social

Outdoor learning allows for:
  • less individual work and more collaboration;
  • building a sense of identity; and
  • improved resilience and self-regulation.
 
3 female students near snowman smiling and holding each other's shoulders

Student Engagement

Outdoor learning offers:
  • greater context for learning;
  • enjoyment and interest; and
  • motivation.
 
  Students looking at river

 

References

  • Edwards-Jones, A., Waite, S., & Passy, R. (2018). Falling into LINE: school strategies for overcoming challenges associated with learning in natural environments (LINE). Education 3-13, 46(1), 49–63. Long Marston: Routledge.
  • Fagerstam, E., & Grotherus, A. (2018). Secondary School Students’ Experience of Outdoor Learning: A Swedish Case Study. Education (Chula Vista), 138(4), 378–392. Project Innovation.
  • Harvey, D., Montgomery, L., Harvey, H., Hall, F., Gange, A., & Watling, D. (2020). Psychological benefits of a biodiversity-focussed outdoor learning program for primary school children. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 67, 1-8. Article 101381.
  • Mann, J., Gray, T., Truong, S., Sahlberg, P., Bentsen, P., Passy, R., Ho, S., et al. (2021). A Systematic Review Protocol to Identify the Key Benefits and Efficacy of Nature-Based Learning in Outdoor Educational Settings. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(3), 1199-. Switzerland: MDPI AG.
  • Mann, J., Gray, T., Truong, S., Brymer, E., Passy, R., Ho, S., Sahlberg, P., et al. (2022). Getting Out of the Classroom and Into Nature: A Systematic Review of Nature-Specific Outdoor Learning on School Children’s Learning and Development. Frontiers in public health, 10, 877058–877058. Switzerland: Frontiers Media S.A.
  • Martin, W. (2016). By the numbers: the benefits of outdoor learning. The Times Educational Supplement, (5220). London: TES Global Limited.
  • Outdoor Play Canada. (n.d.). Position statement on active outdoor play. https://www.outdoorplaycanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/position-statement-on-active-outdoor-play-en.pdf