Benefits of Outdoor Learning

Education cannot be confined within the four walls of a classroom. Knowledge and firsthand experience of the outside world are essential for career growth and surviving challenges in life. Outdoor learning includes studying the climate, environment, and historical traditions of a place and the livelihood of the native people. Students experience traveling like never before. They are cut-off from the digital world; they make their own camps and some travel away from home for the very first time. Following are the major benefits of Outdoor Education

It builds new relationships and community

Outdoor schooling requires teamwork and cooperation with fellow batch mates. Students are divided into various groups while traveling, camping, doing outdoor projects and field studying. They make new connections and friendships through such activities.

Irrespective of the gender, religion, race and background, students form alliances which they wouldn't even consider before. Parent volunteers, on the other hand, have a changed view on their kids during outdoor education. They let their children take responsibility of their own.

Raises standards and performances

Outdoor education raises standards and performances of the students. They are much more engaged and involved with such a form of learning. From cooking to cleaning, washing to surviving, they do all the tasks along with the field of study.

They have a better understanding of their areas of strength and weakness. They break their pre-determined limitations both physically and mentally and go beyond to find success in tough situations.

Adapting to different environments

Through outdoor education, students can experience various conditions and adapt to such environments. Whether it be in a dry desert, coastal areas, rural settings or cold hilly regions, they become more familiar with the places. This helps to develop adaptability skills and brings a sense of respect to new cultures and traditions which they were unaware of before. Students are more comfortable in different environmental conditions and understand the way of living in such places.

Reduced stress level

A child's brain is filled with expectations of their parents, pressure of getting good grades and academic competitiveness. All these contribute to the increase in stress level and a decrease in performing to the best of their abilities. Serotonin is known as the happy hormone of a human brain. A sense of security and happiness is received when it is released. According to scientists, activities such as listening to soothing music and traveling in peaceful places release serotonin. Thus, outdoor education helps a student reduce their level of stress.

Increased outdoor skills

Surviving in outdoor areas requires various life skills. Students have the advantage of learning them through outdoor education and activities. Learning such skills cannot be done within the classroom, such an experience can only be attained when practiced. Open-air classrooms teach them fire building, using a compass and learning how to navigate with the help of the sun direction.

Self-reliance and Responsibility

Without any digital connectivity, their only mode of entertainment is themselves. They need to perform all the activities during outdoor learning. Students become self-reliant and become more responsible in life. In an article written by Jim Zuberbuhler, he said that the willingness to challenge oneself is one of the integral elements of Outdoor learning. Physically and mentally pushing your inner self can help in enhancing self-reliance, performances, and confidence of an individual.

 

Outdoor learning has given teachers around the globe a wide scope of opportunities to teach their students something new and exciting. Schools should look to plan more outdoor activities to develop those areas which cannot be fostered inside a classroom. In addition to all these points, it helps improve the academic performance of a child. Low level of stress and anxiety about examination will result in improved performances.