Learning outside research

TEACHOUT: udeskole

‘The overall aim of the TEACHOUT project is to generate knowledge about the strengths and weaknesses of practicing udeskole compared to mainstream education under the framework of the new school reform. Udeskole is a broad term referring to curriculum-based teaching outside of school in natural as well as cultural settings on a regular basis.’ This page gives access to a large number of reports, research and PhDs into the project.
University of Copenhagen, 2016-2019

Do Lessons in Nature Boost Subsequent Classroom Engagement? Refueling Students in Flight

‘This study is the first to our knowledge to directly examine the effects of lessons in nature on subsequent classroom engagement … The findings here suggest that lessons in nature allow students to simultaneously learn classroom curriculum while rejuvenating their capacity for learning, or “refuel in flight.” ‘
Frontiers in Psychology, 4 January 2018.

Outdoor play boosts children’s performance in class, says study

A new study from Norway found clear associations between the extent of children’s outdoor play and their ability to make progress in school. Monica Arkin of Child Trends discusses the significance of the findings in this article on the Child in the City website, 10 October 2017.

Research into the benefits of outdoor learning – infographic

“We’ve spent some time scouring academic studies and projects to bring you an easy to consume infographic with some of the amazing information we have found… some incredible things about student impact… ” JCA, 30 August 2017.

Should kids go back to school barefoot?

An article looking at research conducted at Bournemouth University which found many benefits of going to school barefoot.
Eco Child’s Play, 24 May 2016.

Green spaces and cognitive development in primary schoolchildren

‘This study, based on comprehensive characterization of outdoor surrounding greenness (at home, school, and during commuting) and repeated computerized cognitive tests in schoolchildren, found an improvement in cognitive development associated with surrounding greenness, particularly with greenness at schools.’
PNAS (US), 30 June 2015

Study links camping to doing better at school

“Children who camp in the great outdoors at least once a year go on to do better at school, as well as being healthier and happier, according to their parents. That’s the finding of a study carried out by the Institute of Education at Plymouth University and the Camping and Caravanning Club, who collaborated to discover perceptions of the relationship between education and camping.”
University of Plymouth, 21 May 2015

Stirling research shows value of outdoor learning for school pupils

‘Teachers who bring their pupils into the outdoors find it makes their learning more enjoyable, challenging, active and collaborative.
University of Stirling research published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). March 2015

Effects of Outdoor School Ground Lessons on Students’ Science Process Skills and Scientific Curiosity

Fully referenced academic study whose purpose was to investigate the effects of outdoor school ground lessons on Year Five students’ science process skills and scientific curiosity.
Kan Lin Ting & Nyet Moi Siew, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia, 1 August 2014

Mayflower Academy – Physical health and wellbeing outcomes of LINE

‘Research focus: to explore children’s experience of outdoor learning in natural environments (LINE) and how that impacts on their physical health and wellbeing. The research took place at Mayflower Primary Academy, Plymouth.’
Part of the Good From Woods Project, 2013

To bolster academics, Philly schools turning to the outdoors

‘… students reported themselves more likely to be leaders in their school, assist those who need help, believe in their ability to succeed, and take responsibility for their actions … Nearly every student the researchers interviewed indicated significant learning.’
The Inquirer (US), 12 November 2012

Losing Our Way? The Downward Path for Outdoor Learning for Children Aged 2-11 Years

‘The author argues that multiple benefits for children of outdoor learning should encourage policy-makers and practitioners to reverse the decline in provision and ensure that children maintain opportunities to learn outside the classroom throughout their primary schooling.’
Sue Waite, Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, on ERIC, December 2010

What does the research say about Outdoor Learning?

Bringing together key findings from reviews of research and major studies in Outdoor Learning, including school trips and wild adventures, outdoor education, wellbeing etc. From the English Outdoor Council, c2010. From the same source: What is Outdoor Learning? What are the Benefits of Outdoor Learning? Examples of Benefits Gained from Outdoor Learning, Outdoor Learning Research Sources, How Safe is Outdoor Learning? and Why Does Outdoor Learning Matter?

11 Proven Benefits of Outdoor Learning

Referenced blog post pointing to research into various beneficial aspects of outdoor learning, including: better grades, increased motivation, better overall behaviour, enhanced communication skills and increased self-reliance.
Bachelors Degree Online (US), c2008

Engaging and learning with the outdoors

‘The aim was to extend research-based understandings of educational activities using the outdoor classroom in a rural context … it focused on the processes & impacts & the planning & evaluation of outdoor learning. These issues were explored in three outdoor learning contexts: (i) school grounds and gardens; (ii) farms and city farms; and (iii) field study/nature centres.’
NFER, February 2004

The Effects of Environment-Based Education on Students’ Achievement Motivation

‘The results of this study provide evidence of environment-based education’s ability to improve high school students’ achievement motivation and support its use in school reform efforts … implications for formal educators, environmental educators and interpreters are discussed.’
Athman & Monroe, Journal of Interpretation Research (US), 2004

Summary of the Effects of Outdoor Education Programs or “Does Outdoor Education Work?”

“A meta-analysis of 97 outcome studies from around the world… The research evidence indicates that the effectiveness of outdoor education programming on average is positive and roughly equivalent to other innovative psychosocial interventions. The overall message from the research is that outdoor education has clear potential, if well designed, to foster enhancements of personal and social aspects of learning and development. In addition, at least 11 factors appear to influence what happens to participants during a program and the overall effects of the program.”
James T. Neill & Garry E. Richards, Australian Journal of Outdoor Education, 1998