Long ago, students were seen as empty vessels, which the teacher then filled with information. Students sat in neat rows, took diligent notes, and did not speak. The teacher would lecture, the students would listen. Rote memorization was encouraged, and long tests were expected.
Today, many teachers and schools in general are turning away from this method and moving towards more practices that get the students engaged and participating in what they learn. Teachers have learned that when they include students in the learning process, it opens the door to authentic learning that students will retain much longer than simply reading a book or listening to the teacher. And more often, teachers are turning to the first place we truly learn—the outdoors.
Going Outside Keeps Learning Continuous
Teachers realize that students aren’t just empty vessels, waiting to be filled. In fact, each student brings with them a personal background and a unique perspective on life. Children are already forming opinions, and they are bursting with creativity at young ages. Most importantly, children learn through touch and exploration.
This makes the outdoors a great place to learn. The four walls of a classroom can be good, but it doesn’t have to be the only way to learn. Schools like https://niva.ac.th/ are encouraging both teachers and students to get outside and into nature. Students are able to engage with their surrounding environment, creating a deeper connection with the earth. This also makes students more environmentally conscious because they start to engage with the environment at a young age.
The Types of Learning That Can Take Place Outside for Different Subjects
There are so many different ways that a student can learn outdoors in a more natural environment. Science, of course, is a great option. Students can categorize and identify different plants and animals, for example. There are many great activities a Science teacher can do to engage students outdoors. A Language Arts class can take on more creative projects, such as descriptive or creative writing, where students talk about the things they see around them. Math can measure angles by the sun or grow plants and note their growth and progress.
While outdoor learning can seem like a daunting prospect, this type of learning or even play can provide great benefits to students. Creating a more globally conscious student is always a goal of a school, and the creativity that comes from the outdoors is sometimes unparalleled when compared to what can take place in a classroom.
