Outdoor Learning in Theory and Practice

Aim

After completion of the course, the student should be able to

• account for knowledge about the historical development, theoretical frameworks and contemporary research field of outdoor education
• describe and analyse how outdoor education, interdisciplinary as well as disciplinary, can be implemented with regards to educational theory and research
• plan for, perform and evaluate teaching and learning in outdoor environments, with respect for leadership, safety and equal opportunities for learning
• describe and critically examine the connection between outdoor play and learning, health and well-being.

Content

The course departs from recent research on teaching and learning in environments outside the traditional classroom. Learning environments as for example the natural and cultural landscape, play grounds, school grounds, museums or science centers. Examples are given from different parts of the educational system, and the participants have the possibility to build upon their own interests and backgrounds. A central content is understanding of how different theoretical underpinnings have contributed in influencing the field of outdoor education, with a focus on the Scandinavian context. Pragmatism, experiential learning, and placed-based education are examples of theoretical frameworks that are discussed. The course deals theoretically and practically with how interdisciplinary and disciplinary education can be practiced in natural and cultural environments in the local area. The course also elaborates on the role outdoor environments play in human social development, health and well-being.