Outdoor learning offers significant benefits, improving students’ mental well-being, academic performance, and social development. Research shows that students who engage in outdoor education develop critical thinking skills, which not only improves their academic outcomes but also promotes better mental health. At The Learning Adventure, we design educational experiences planned to maximize these benefits, combining hands-on activities with curriculum-aligned learning.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of teaching outside and how outdoor activities can help students develop the skills they need to reach their full potential.
What is Outdoor Learning?
Outdoor learning refers to educational activities conducted outside traditional classrooms, where students actively engage with their environment to enhance their understanding of academic ideas and life skills. This approach emphasizes experiential learning, such as using real-world settings to study science, history, or geography. For example, a World War II Tour on a history trip to Berlin deepens students’ understanding of the catastrophic events that occurred here, while workshops on bird migration at Fuente de Piedra Lagoon on a Spanish geography adventure provide insights into ecology.
The Benefits of Outdoor Learning
1. Improved Academic Performance
Research on the benefits of outdoor learning demonstrates how it strengthens students’ understanding of key subjects. A four-year study led by Natural England found that 94% of teachers agree outdoor learning improves students’ grasp of science, nature, and the environment. Additionally, moving learning outdoors boosts performance in subjects like writing, mathematics, and social studies. By applying knowledge to real-world contexts, students become more engaged with their learning, with 92% of students reporting that they enjoy their lessons more when they’re outdoors. This increased engagement encourages a passion for education, leading to better retention and comprehension.
2. Mental Health and Well-being
Spending time outdoors improves mental health by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. According to the Open University’s OPENspace Research Centre, time in nature helps to improve mood, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, and even helps children focus better at school.
Outdoor learning can be used to combat “Nature Deficit Disorder,” a term describing the negative impacts of disconnection from nature, which include attention difficulties and increased stress levels. An effective example of this would be activities like cycling through wetlands or hiking in volcanic regions. These actions encourage mindfulness while teaching geographical and historical learning material, combining the benefits of mental well-being and enriched education.
3. Development of Social and Communication Skills
Outdoor learning promotes collaboration and teamwork, which are critical life skills for students. Group-based activities, such as navigating a trail or participating in a pasta-making lesson, help students develop interpersonal traits, a valuable soft skill. At The Learning Adventure, we design team-based challenges like guided hikes in Puy de Dôme, which require students to solve problems and communicate effectively. Many teachers agree that outdoor education encourages better peer relationships and builds trust, especially among students with different learning styles.
4. Increased Engagement with the Curriculum
Outdoor education also integrates academic subjects with real-world learning, making lessons engaging and memorable. Subjects like history, science, and geography are enriched by firsthand experiences. For example:
- A boat ride along the River Seine ties cultural studies with visual learning.
- InsectPark in Spain highlights insect biology and ecological conservation up close.
These activities demonstrate the practical relevance of classroom lessons, keeping students motivated and engaged.
5. Enhanced Environmental Awareness
Outdoor education encourages environmental stewardship by promoting a connection to nature. Experiencing ecosystems firsthand helps students understand the importance of conservation, with celebrities like David Attenborough being a passionate advocate for outdoor learning in popular culture. In a talk about nature and climate education, he made the statement that “bringing nature into the classroom can kindle a fascination and passion for the diversity of life on earth and can motivate a sense of responsibility to safeguard it.” Through immersive activities like wildlife observation or guided eco-tours, students gain a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and the role they can play in protecting it – combining an increased awareness of global conservation with potential geography or science-based learning development.
How Does The Learning Adventure Incorporate Outdoor Learning?
At The Learning Adventure, we create school trips that aim to integrate outdoor learning with curriculum-focused objectives. Here’s how we bring this concept to life:
Hands-On Experiences
Our trips incorporate activities that combine academic learning with physical exploration:
- Geology in Action: At the Cave of Early Man in the Cuc Phuong National Park, students learn about biodiversity and geology during a short hike.
- Ecological Observation: Students can climb the world-famous Mount Vesuvius, connecting geology with history and providing a cross-curricular experience.
Interactive Workshops
To deepen learning, we include tailored workshops:
- Photography Walks: A creative competition teaches students technical and artistic skills while exploring iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.
- Cultural Exploration: A tour of Phnom Penh City in Cambodia teaches students about Cambodian history up close.
- Traditional Opera Workshop: A Peking Opera workshop in Beijing teaches students about the art forms’ cultural history and allows them to experience the mesmerizing beauty of an opera first-hand.
Team Challenges
Group activities such as hiking volcanic trails or completing nature-based scavenger hunts encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership development. Students can work together to think outside of the box to complete challenges, sparking their creativity and curiosity about the world around them.
FAQs
What are some examples of outdoor learning activities?
Outdoor learning can include hiking, wildlife observation, nature-based experiments, historical site tours, and team-building challenges. These activities tie directly to academic goals, offering practical applications of theoretical knowledge.
Are there challenges to outdoor learning?
Outdoor education requires careful planning to address weather, safety, and logistical considerations. At The Learning Adventure, our experienced team handles all these aspects, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.
How does outdoor learning differ from indoor education?
Outdoor learning emphasizes active, experiential engagement, allowing students to connect lessons to real-world contexts. This dynamic approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and stronger retention compared to traditional classroom methods.
Final Thoughts
The benefits of outdoor learning are undeniable, equipping students with valuable life skills and enhancing curriculum-based learning. By studying in a new environment, students can build on their knowledge outside of the classroom and learn about different subject areas. But, like all learning activities, outdoor learning must be thoughtfully planned.
With decades of experience in education-focused travel, The Learning Adventure is your trusted partner for outdoor learning trips. Every detail of our itineraries are meticulously planned, combining hands-on activities with curriculum-focused trips to deliver impactful educational experiences.
