A Systemic Examination of the Introduction of an Outdoor Learning-Based Science Curriculum to Students, their Teacher, and the School Principal.

Abstract

The outdoor environment has been under-utilized as a legitimate setting for learning within the formal school context, resulting in few examples of curriculum materials that integrate the indoors and outdoors. This systemic problem is explored holistically through investigation of key sets of players in the school system. The overarching research question is “What is the role and value of integrated outdoor learning experiences within the school system?” I developed an eight-week Earth systems science unit grounded in research-based design principles. One teacher enacted the unit with 111 sixth graders, whose learning gains and perspectives of the role and value of integrated outdoor learning experiences were explored using a mixed-methods approach in a pre-post study design, including individual interviews, and instruments regarding students’ perspectives of the outdoor component of the curricular enactment. I conducted six interviews with the participating teacher and one interview with the school principal, to explore their perspectives of the role of outdoor learning experiences, and their personal roles in the unit.

The main finding from this study was that the outdoor component of the curriculum enhanced coherence—connectedness across science concepts, activities, and learning environments. Higher ability students were more aware of connections than lower ability students. Field experiences were seen as a tool for learning, and all students achieved substantial learning gains. The teacher viewed the role of the outdoor experiences as a way to engage students, and promote connections across the unit through firsthand and relevant experiences. The school principal viewed his role as supporting teachers in their practice and encouraging risk-taking and creativity in instructional approaches. This study is a valuable contribution to the field as it 1) identifies outdoor learning experiences as one way to enhance intraunit coherence, and 2) highlights variations in students’ awareness of coherence while examining the teacher’s experience. I discuss potential revisions to improve the curriculum based on the findings from the students, teacher, principal, and external curriculum evaluation. These data indicate a need for greater support for teachers to help all students make coherent connections across the unit, and to take account of students’ developing ideas.