Losing our way? The downward path for outdoor learning for children aged 2–11 years
Open Access
- 16 December 2010
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning
- Vol. 10 (2), 111-126
- https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2010.531087
Abstract
This paper draws on three related empirical studies in the South West of England: a survey of outdoor experiential learning opportunities, examining attitudes, practice and aspirations of practitioners and children in educational and care settings for children between 2–11 years within a rural county; a follow-up series of five case studies; and an ongoing ESRC funded study of outdoor learning practice across the transition between Foundation Stage and Year 1 in two city-based schools. It charts the journey of outdoor learning from early years to primary practice in England and indicates the ‘navigational tools’ used by practitioners and the possibly rocky terrain that still lies ahead. The source and nature of values in outdoor learning, the decline in outdoor learning opportunities, the emphasis placed by staff on obligations and expectations of national guidance vis à vis their own personal beliefs and other barriers to outdoor learning are considered. It also reflects upon the changing landscape of the primary curriculum in England in the wake of recent reviews and a subsequent change in government that has decided to leave the National Curriculum and testing regime as it is. 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.Keywords
This publication has 14 references indexed in Scilit:
- Well-being and outdoor pedagogies in primary schooling: The nexus of well-being and safetyJournal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, 2009
- Transfer of learning in the learning society: How can the barriers between different learning spaces be surmounted, and how can the gap between learning inside and outside schools be bridged?International Journal of Lifelong Education, 2009
- Excellence and Enjoymentcontinuing professional development materials in England: both a bonus and onus for schoolsJournal of In-service Education, 2008
- Learning in the outdoor environment: a missed opportunity?Early Years, 2007
- Research methods to investigate significant life experiences: review and recommendationsEnvironmental Education Research, 2006
- The interrelationships between informal and formal learningJournal of Workplace Learning, 2003
- Environmental SocializationEnvironment and Behavior, 2002
- ‘Privileging the Visible’: A critique of the National Learning TargetsBritish Educational Research Journal, 2002
- Kindergarten: Garden Pedagogy from Romanticism to ReformLandscape Journal, 2001
- Forward to Basics! Deep‐Level‐Learning and the Experiential ApproachEarly Years, 2000