The Benefits of Outdoor Education for Students

Today I will be talking about the benefits of outdoor education for students.
But before we start talking about the benefits of outdoor education, what exactly is
outdoor education? This refers to organized learning that takes place in the outdoors.
Drawing upon the philosophy and theory of experimental education and environmental
education, outdoor educational programs often involve residential or journey-based
experiences in which students participate in a variety of adventurous challenges such
as hiking, climbing, canoeing, ropes courses, and group games.
So now that we know what the meaning of outdoor education is, we will now see why
this is beneficial for our students.

 The improvement of mental health in students

Research has shown that time spent in nature can improve students’ mental
health and wellbeing.
Likewise, a lack of outdoor learning is steadily resulting in a ‘Nature Deficit
Disorder’ which according to the BBC less time spent learning outside can lead
to behavioral problems. By learning outdoors, we can combat Nature Deficit
Disorder and increase mental health by improving mood, confidence and
wellbeing.

 Happy learning
Students will enjoy anything that is interesting and fun. Outdoor education almost
fulfills this criterion. By adopting outdoor education students will not only be
happy but learn happily too. Emotional and intelligence quotients will
automatically get a boost.

 Development of life skills

Outdoor education is more activity-based, fun learning. All senses get to work.
Kinesthetic learning enhances as students touch and feel things along with
gaining knowledge. Exploring and experimental activities help improve problem-
solving skills. Reflective and inquisitive skills also develop. Also, if students work
in teams and groups several social skills like communication, turn-taking,
respecting, listening, cooperation, etc. will improve. Students also gain skills like
resilience and adaptability in occasionally adverse circumstances.

 Community stewardship and love for nature

Outdoor education allows students to see that they are part of a whole.
Exploring their local environment gives students an appreciation and awareness
of their community, which causes them to act more consciously. Students can
 also be encouraged to work with their community organizations to provide
important data and discuss and write about environmental impacts. Being in
nature and exploring its beauty and creation, children will realize the importance
of conserving nature. They will fall in love with nature and begin taking care of it.

One potential disadvantage of outdoor education is the risk of exposure to adverse

weather conditions, which can affect the safety and comfort of students and educators.
Harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat, cold, heavy rain, or storms, can make
outdoor activities uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. These conditions might lead to
discomfort, illness, or accidents, and can disrupt planned outdoor educational activities.
But proper planning and giving our students a safe and secure environment can
mitigate the risks of anything unsafe happening.

In conclusion, Outdoor education can help students in a few ways like their mental
health, making learning enjoyable, developing life skills, developing a love for nature
and much more. The inclusion of outdoor education is an essential for enhancing
students’ learning experiences and a way for them to socialize with each other and the
environment around them.

Sources:
https://ltl.org.uk/news/5-key-benefits-of-outdoor-learning/
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-17495032
https://varthana.com/school/5-benefits-of-outdoor-education/
https://www.sanzateaching.com/blogs/sanza_teaching_news/advantages-
disadvantages-teaching-outside/
https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Outdoor_education