Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about many changes in our lives, and education is no exception. With the need for social distancing and safer learning environments, many educators have been exploring alternative methods of teaching. One such method that has gained popularity is outdoor learning. This blog post delves into the podcast episode "Taking Class Outside" from The World and Everything in It, discussing the benefits and challenges of this innovative approach to education.
The Shift to Outdoor Learning
During the pandemic, many teachers began to take their classes outside as a way to mitigate the spread of the virus. However, as schools are slowly returning to a more normal school year, some educators are finding that outdoor learning might just be a better way to teach.
Stan and Katie Saiz, who lead Green Gate Children's School in Wichita, Kansas, are among the educators who have embraced this method. They ran a nature-based preschool out of their home for several years before launching the school in 2020. Now, they have about 50 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The school offers a flexible learning environment where students can choose where they want to learn, whether it's under a tree or in a classroom with doors propped open for fresh air.
The Benefits of Outdoor Learning
The benefits of outdoor learning are manifold. Studies suggest that students can concentrate better simply by being in a classroom with a view of the outside. Other studies show specific benefits for students with ADHD. The sensory-rich outdoor model is beneficial for older students as well, engaging them in a way that is superior to just having a textbook in front of them or watching a video on a screen.
Ellen Veselack, the associate director of consulting and professional development at the Outdoor Classroom Project, believes that too many educators look at outside learning as an extra. She wants to turn that on its head and encourage educators to see outdoor learning as a primary method of instruction because it's that much better.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the challenges with this kind of hands-on learning is that administrators aren't always sure how to document it. Robert Sendrey, a program director at the National Environmental Education Foundation, suggests working on real-world projects with students, analyzing information, and presenting their findings as a way to document learning.
At Green Gate Children's School, students are often outside, except for severe weather. They just make sure to bring weather-appropriate clothing. This shows that with the right preparation and mindset, the challenges of outdoor learning can be overcome.
Conclusion
The shift to outdoor learning is not just a temporary solution to the pandemic but a potential long-term change in the way we approach education. It offers a more engaging, flexible, and beneficial learning environment for students of all ages. As we navigate the changing landscape of education, it's clear that taking the class outside might just be the way forward. The pandemic has shown us that when faced with challenges, we can adapt and find new ways to improve our methods. Outdoor learning is a testament to that adaptability and innovation in education.
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