Why would I even consider trying to teach outside the box when it would be so much easier to follow the established best practices way of doing things? Where are the models for successful outdoor education programs, the research, the evidence? If it’s such a great idea why isn’t everyone doing it? When I made the decision to go full-on with this concept these questions were the ones I would inevitably have to answer.
I have enough enthusiasm for outdoor education to stay the course, but what I lack is harder than just being invested in a concept. I know it is a good idea because I know what’s out there and I know how exciting it is to learn about and through nature – first hand. Would this be a good fit for all students? Most of what I had seen focused on early childhood, but what about elementary through high school?
Time to make a “to research” list:
- names of existing programs connected to schools.
- mission statement/philosophy/goals
- cultural connections
- research on the outcomes of increased time in nature for students (both in and outside of existing programs)
- physical
- social/emotional
- therapeutic effects (e.g. ADHD, anxiety, sensory issues, etc)
- intellectual
- etc
- curriculum
- funding/budget
- sustainability connection
- additional resources
Create a timeline for research and possible travel.
Update: We got the grant! Students and interested staff will begin exploring the space and making plans when school resumes in August. This is a very exciting time for me as a science teacher and naturalist. The above outline will become part of the framework for the documentation and aspects of focus for my dissertation.
Nature Teacher Blog 