Indoor Learning Versus Outdoor Learning

Much debate over outdoor learning has been generated in educational discussions, as it involves such a question about health and safety, and the number of forms needing to be completed by teachers. This provides children with a disadvantage, as they are not fulfilling the children's need to learn in different environments.

    

   The Welsh Government (2008) highlight the importance of outdoor education in the Foundation Phase for children in Wales. Outdoor and indoor learning environments are important to provide the child with a different experience of learning, and maybe even that learning is not just restricted to the classroom, it happens everywhere.

'Indoor and outdoor environments that are fun, exciting, stimulating and safe promote children’s development and natural curiosity to explore and learn through first-hand experiences.' (DCELLS, 2008, p.4)

According to Rickinson et al (2004 p. 15), learning in the outdoor environment is a 'broad and complex' concept, giving examples of different types of outdoor learning that could potentially be offered, such as outdoor adventure education, field studies' and 'agricultural education'. This suggests that there are almost no limits to the different types of outdoor education available. So if this is correct, why are many pupils experiencing little, or even sometimes no outdoor education?

Sports Day

   Personal experience of being in an outdoor learning environment was when the annual sports day took place. The children were all excited to get away from the classroom for a few hours, getting involved with the various activities available. The day put emphasis on physical education and the importance of sports. As parents were there, the children were excited to show them what they can do, and were encouraged by the parents to listen to the teachers and learn from the other older pupils what to do. Overall, the day was a great success as the pupils enjoyed themselves, and they learnt important skills such as working in a team, communication and their confidence increased as the day went on, as everyone was congratulated, no matter what they came, first and last place.

Rickinson et al. (2004) A Review of Research on Outdoor Learning. Shrewsbury: Field Studies Council.

Wales: Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, (2008) Framework for Children’s Learning for 3 to 7 year olds in Wales. Cardiff: Welsh Assembly Government. [Online]. Available at: http://wales.gov.uk/docs/dcells/publications/141111-framework-for-childrens-learning-for-3-to-7-year-olds-en.pdf (Accessed: 01/12/2014)