With the rise in popularity of teaching outdoors, it is unsurprising that the range of outdoor learning styles leaves many confused. Do practitioners understand what ‘outdoor learning’ means? Is it curriculum-based, and where does ‘forest school’ fit in? Are ‘nature-based play’ and ‘beach school’ different?
‘The difference between outdoor learning and Forest School might be considered to be quite straightforward – that outdoor learning is an umbrella term that covers all sorts of activities and approaches, while Forest School is a defined approach,’ says The Ernest Cook Trust Schools programme lead, Liz MacKenzie.
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The Institute for Outdoor Learning defines outdoor learning as ‘a broad term that includes discovery, experimentation, learning about and connecting to the natural world, and engaging in environmental and adventure activities. Outdoor learning involves the transformation of knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviours through direct engagement with the outdoor environment for the personal and social benefit of individuals, families, society and the planet.’
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