The Importance of Learning Outside the Classroom
Learning outside the classroom opens the door to many valuable skills and qualities. Here we explore what they are and the impact they can have.
Learning inside the classroom is a tried and tested method of organising schooling. However, teachers and pupils have always valued the learning opportunities provided by a range of activities conducted outside the classroom.
Learning outside can help make subjects more vivid and interesting for pupils, enhance their understanding and reinforce lessons taught indoors. It can also contribute significantly to pupil’s personal, social and emotional development.
Integral approach to Outdoor Learning
Research conducted by Ofsted found that learning outside the classroom was most successful when it was ‘an integral element of long-term curriculum planning and closely linked to classroom activities. For example, discussing a topic in the classroom, then carrying out a practical in the playground and following up with some research as homework is a simple way of using multiple mediums and environments to teach.
Learning outdoors is practical, motivating and refreshing. Making it an integral element will retain pupils’ attention, enabling them to learn in varied ways and by ‘seeing and doing, not just listening.’