Embedded Files
As the circumstances of the ongoing pandemic have restricted access to Magilligan Field Centre outdoor education programmes, staff have been engaged in developing resources to support teachers in the use of School Grounds for outdoor learning. These include the sway (below) and a range of activity cards outlining lesson ideas for the outdoors. Resources have also been developed to facilitate the delivery of fieldwork modules targeting post-primary examination specifications. These resources can be found in the primary and post-primary sections of the MFC website.
Click here to visit the Magilligan Field Centre Website to access information and resources.
What is Outdoor Learning?
What is Outdoor Learning?
In simplest terms outdoor learning is using places other than the classroom for teaching and learning. It is a broad term, however, that can include a range of different types of activity from outdoor play in early years, school grounds projects, environmental education, recreational and adventure activities, personal and social development programmes, expeditions, team building, education for sustainability, adventure therapy ... and more! It is characterised as active experiential learning that involves discovery and experimentation and offers opportunities to develop understanding of and connections with the natural world.
Benefits of Outdoor Learning
Benefits of Outdoor Learning
There are many benefits to be gained from outdoor learning that are recognised and promoted by professionals from the world of education, child welfare, nature conservation and child psychology. Some of the frequently cited positive outcomes include;
Improved physical and mental well being
Improved behaviour
Improved academic achievement
More engaged pupils
More enjoyable lessons
Enhanced creativity
Improved understanding of and connection with Nature
The following resource has been created for Primary School teachers to support them in getting started with outdoor learning.
Quotes in support of Outdoor Education
Quotes in support of Outdoor Education
“… outdoor learning may be particularly beneficial for children who struggle to maintain concentration in more formal classroom settings and actively seek out ways to introduce direct experience into their learning.”
Waite, S. (2010) Losing our way? Declining outdoor opportunities for learning for children aged between 2 and 11. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning. 10 (2), 111- 126.
‘…children engaged in Learning Outside the Classroom achieve higher scores in class tests, have greater levels of physical fitness and motor skills development, increased confidence and self esteem, show leadership qualities and are socially competent and more environmentally responsible.’
Malone, K (2011) ‘Every Experience Matters’
‘…evidence indicates that direct exposure to nature is essential for physical and emotional health. For example, new studies suggest that exposure to nature may reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)…’
Louv, R, 2009, Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, London, Atlantic Books
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