To further deepen my research, I found a study and thesis on „Schools in Nature“ to better understand what it all involves. I learned that outdoor education has great potential for children’s development, allowing them to explore, develop critical thinking, and connect with the natural world. This way of learning contributes to emotional, social, and physical growth, providing an experience far beyond traditional classroom teaching. According to research by Alyssa Wentworth, this approach especially benefits children who struggle in the standard education system, offering more opportunities for exploration, movement, and building self-confidence. Based on the experience and materials I’ve gathered so far, I see that design can play a key role in shaping these educational experiences. With careful design, it’s possible to not only encourage children’s curiosity but also provide a deeper understanding of often complex and abstract topics.
One of the most important findings about outdoor education is that children learn best through experience. In this case, nature becomes the „third teacher.“ Research by Maja Ljubojević shows that multi-day activities like „schools in nature“ have an incredible impact on students, especially younger ones. These activities combine practical tasks with research and social aspects, with an emphasis on learning through play. Through outdoor activities, children develop many skills and engage all their senses. For example, they can explore different textures of soil and plants, observe the shapes and colors of plants, listen to natural sounds, and learn about the interconnectedness of all living things in ecosystems. These aspects help children understand and remember information, making learning not only fun but also deeply experiential.
According to Ljubojević’s research, children involved in outdoor learning showed improved problem-solving skills, greater emotional resilience, and a deeper connection to the environment, which I believe is very important given the rapid development of technology. The study also found that children felt calmer and more motivated when learning outdoors. However, there are challenges, such as adapting to weather conditions and ensuring safety in outdoor environments. Design can address these challenges by providing solutions like educational materials or digital tools that motivate children to engage even in less favorable conditions.
Play plays a key role in outdoor education, and game design can significantly improve this process. The children in the study expressed a desire for more games, especially those that are out of the ordinary. Carefully designed games encourage children’s curiosity and help them better understand the content presented to them. Games like „nature’s hidden treasure“ can encourage children to explore ecosystems, recognize plants and animals, and collect natural materials. Simulation games also allow children to take on roles of plants or animals and understand their interconnectedness in nature. Through such games, children learn actively and immerse themselves in the content, and design is there to provide them with an interactive, fun, and educational experience. Although one might think of nature as a place to escape from technology, well-integrated digital tools can enhance the educational experience. For example, plant recognition apps or augmented reality (AR) can help children better and more deeply understand nature. Technology doesn’t have to be in conflict with nature – it can become a tool that helps children better understand the world around them, making the learning process even more interactive and accessible. Outdoor education is not just a temporary experience; it helps children develop a lasting connection to nature, an understanding of the importance of environmental conservation, and sustainability.
- Nature-Based Education: What Are the Benefits & How to Incorporate it in Schools?; Alyssa Wentworth, Anna Maria College: Paper prepared for Honors Senior Seminar (HON 490)
- Stavovi učenika o višednevnim aktivnostima: škola u prirodi i izviđačka kolonija; Ljubojević, Maja: Master’s thesis, 2023, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Teacher Education
- Didaktičko-metodičke specifičnosti škole u prirodi; Adisa Rustemović: Master’s thesis, 2021, University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Philosophy, Department of Pedagogy
