Perseverance enhanced by outdoor learning

Unfortunately, perseverance is not the same for all learners. While some are already highly motivated by the idea of continuing learning and advancing in the curriculum, others do not experience this feeling. Particularly if the results do not follow, they may be tempted to believe that they do not belong and that investing more time will not change anything. Yet, no one in the school community wants to escape their children and all are looking to improve their persistence.

So, is there a formula that can address this need? If we look at the studies that have been done, it seems that an approach could have a very positive effect on learners in all aspects, including determination. And the solution comes down to one simple action: getting out of the institution.

The beneficial effects of nature-based classes

In fact, we already know that students who engage in extracurricular activities whether they be sports or the arts see an increase in school persistence, provided, however, that the experiences are diversified. Sports participation has also been shown to have an effect on school engagement. Now, more and more researchers have become interested in approaches where teachers deliver knowledge in natural settings. As they are published, it seems that these methods hold many virtues.

Already, the plant-based setting would provide a calmer environment than a regular classroom; they would feel more inclined to be more peaceful and attentive to their teacher. The setting would reduce the stress experienced by the youth and offers them an environment where autonomy and cooperation are fostered. In addition, educational elements become more concrete; nature being able to serve as an example.

Of course, there is still much to be proven through studies. As this one, which studied a curriculum for 9- to 11-year-olds using mostly outdoors as a pedagogical setting, reminds us; if the approach becomes more popular, more tools will be needed to analyze its effects. Nevertheless, this research showed more positive effects than barriers.

Outdoors requires other skills

For more and more Quebec teachers, these study results are consistent with what they see in their practice. No students express a loss of perseverance and engagement when it comes to learning in the natural environment. On the contrary, questions are asked if classes like this are not on the curriculum for a week or two. Many observe that, for learners with difficulties, skills where they can excel are practiced outdoors. This sense of ability can then translate into motivation to continue the school career.

Even more so, as playing in nature builds knowledge for young children. Their muscle tone will develop and help them write better. Being outside gives them the opportunity to locate themselves in space, knowledge that can then be used in learning to read or concepts like directions that will be useful in math.

There is still work to be done in order for outdoor classes to become the norm. Already, this will require urban schools to develop green environments. Not to mention that teachers and school staff will need to be trained for such a reality. In a never-ending quest for students to persevere in their educational journey, playing and learning outdoors seem like viable solutions that bring a lot to the children who experience it.

Illustration : Elijah M. Henderson on Unsplash

References

"Children Reap Benefits of Outdoor Learning. "Independent Education Today. Last updated on April 8, 2019.
https://ie-today.co.uk/Article/children-reap-benefits-of-outdoor-learning/.

Dufort, Noémie. "When Participating In Extracurricular Activities Rhymes With Academic Perseverance And Success." LAUGHTER. Last updated September 22, 2019.
http://rire.ctreq.qc.ca/2019/09/quand-participer-a-des-activites-parascolaires-rime-avec-perseverance-et-reussite-scolaires/.

"Playing Outside Promotes School Learning." Vifa Magazine. Last updated on October 7, 2019.
https://vifamagazine.ca/comprendre/sante-physique/jouer-dehors-favorise-les-apprentissages-scolaires/.

Kuo, Ming, Michael Barnes, and Catherine Jordan. "Do Experiences With Nature Promote Learning? Converging Evidence of a Cause-and-Effect Relationship." PubMed Central (PMC). Last updated February 19, 2019.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6401598/.

Lepage, Bernard. "When Playing Outside Promotes School Perseverance." L'Hebdo Du St-Maurice. Last updated February 5, 2019.
https://www.lhebdodustmaurice.com/quand-jouer-dehors-favorise-la-perseverance-scolaire/.

Marchant, Emily, Charlotte Todd, Roxanne Cooksey, Samuel Dredge, Hope Jones, David Reynolds, et al. "Curriculum-based Outdoor Learning for Children Aged 9-11: A Qualitative Analysis of Pupils' and Teachers' Views." Public Library Of Science. Last updated on May 31, 2019.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0212242.

Moffet, Julie. "Large Study Confirms Significant Benefits of Outdoor Learning on Educational Success." 100°. Last updated April 16, 2019.
https://centdegres.ca/magazine/sante-et-societe/etude-benefices-considerables-apprentissage-plein-air-reussite-educative/.