Challenges, as perceived by teachers, to learning outdoors

Abstract

Childhood in the twenty-first century is increasingly spent indoors. As a result, children today can face increased physical and socio-emotional health concerns. An approach to address these concerns is to support opportunities for teachers to integrate outdoor learning into their daily curriculum. Research into the challenges teachers face in taking students outside reveals two broad areas of concern: practical and philosophical. To help combat these challenges, I designed a website whose aim is to raise awareness of the benefits of learning outdoors, and to examine the barriers teachers face. Finally, it offers resources to help overcome challenges and barriers to outdoor learning. It is hoped that www.outdoors68.ca will act as a resource guide to teachers interested in outdoor learning.