Learning Outside the Classroom

Learning outside the classroom enables children to experience new environments in an enjoyable way, as well as raising their self-esteem and self-motivation. Children’s learning can be enhanced through visits which are both memorable and enjoyable, as this heightens their interests and therefore encourages them to progress with their learning (Government, 2008).

In Wales, learning outside the classroom is used in the Foundation Phase and throughout their school education towards higher education (14-19). These learning experiences can take place in a variety of settings, in Wales we have a variety of environments that children can visit, such as nature reserves, beaches, rivers and education establishments. Adventure activities can help children or young adults develop their social skills, such as communication, team work and co-operation, as well as gaining personal fulfilment (Government, 2008).  



                                       (Waterlinks, 2007)



Schools will usually organise visits within curriculum time, however some schools take their students on longer trips within the UK or abroad to develop specific curricular subjects. Learning outside the classroom is also frequently organised outside of school hours, such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and after school clubs. These give children an extra opportunity to enhance their learning while doing something which they enjoy (Government, 2008).

Learning outside the classroom providers can achieve QualityBadges from The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom once they have met a certain criteria. These include providing accurate information about its offer, meeting the needs of users, and having safety management processes in place to ensure that they can manage any risks effectively (CLOtC, 2011).

                                                                                                          (Council, 2013)

As university students studying Education Studies, a group and I went on a educational visit with Rhydyfro Primary School  to experience an animal tour that children attend in an out of school environment. We decided to go to Plantasia in Swansea as it was interesting to us and there was plenty to see and do. Here, the children were told about extinct animals and endangered species that exist today. They began linking the reasons for the extinction from what they had learnt in school, such as deforestation.

The children made connections with topics that they had already been learning in the classroom, and their experiences in Plantasia could be used as a stimulus for their future learning. At the end of the tour, the children were sat on a carpet in the education room where they recapped on what they had done. The tour guide would ask questions such as ‘what was your favourite part?’ and ‘what did we see?’

The weaknesses of learning outside the classroom include deciding on a place suitable for the curricular subject, as well as ensuring that the chosen destination does not become a distraction to the educational purpose of the trip. Another weakness is the expense, as many parents may not be able to afford the cost of the trip.

The benefits of learning outside the classroom are far greater than the weaknesses. Taking a child outside can make learning more engaging, whereas maintaining the child indoors can make it difficult to keep them on task. It also encourages learning to be more relevant as you can put them in a more realistic context, as well as nurturing their creativity and imagination. Learning outside the classroom is a good way to improve attendance as the children are more motivated to learn (Education, 2011).

Below is a video showing an example of learning outside the classroom (Lancashireoutdoor, 2012):

 

References

CLOtC, 2011. Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge. [Online]
Available at: http://lotcqualitybadge.org.uk/quality-indicators
[Accessed 28 December 2013].

Council, F. S., 2013. Quality Badge Certificate. [Art] (The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom).

Education, C., 2011. Practical Teaching Advice, Ideas and Opinion. [Online]
Available at: http://www.creativeeducation.co.uk/blog/index.php/2011/06/learning-outside-the-classroom/
[Accessed 28 December 2013].

Government, W. A., 2008. Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. [Online]
Available at: http://www.npt.gov.uk/PDF/LEA_Educational_visits_a_safety_guide_for_learning_outside_the_classroom01.pdf
[Accessed 28 December 2013].

Lancashireoutdoor, 2012. YouTube. [Online]
Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dh_XE40mj4
[Accessed 28 December 2013].

Waterlinks, 2007. River Tawe. [Art] (Waterlinks).