the educator mag Jan 26 - Flipbook - Page 44
Unearthing nature’s classroom:
Why skilled facilitation makes outdoor learning
transformative
Drawing on decades of 昀椀eldwork
experience, the charity has identi昀椀ed
seven experience outcomes that shape
three core skills. Together, they reveal
what young people can gain from time
outdoors and how educators can make
outdoor learning truly transformative.
Re awakening environmental
understanding
The natural world is a constantly
changing classroom. Children begin life
as curious explorers, noticing animals,
plants and natural processes around
them. As they progress through school,
many lose this instinctive curiosity.
Outdoor learning can help reverse
this trend. By fostering inquiry and
discussion, educators help pupils build
a more connected understanding of
ecosystems.
Rebuilding connection to nature
Long-term research shows that
everyday contact with nature has been
declining for generations. For many
pupils, a school visit may be their only
meaningful experience of the outdoors.
However, connection is not automatic.
Prompts like “What can you hear now
that you did not notice before?” help
develop awareness and emotional
connections to surroundings.
From awareness to environmental
responsibility
Understanding the natural world and
feeling connected to it often leads
pupils to care more about its
protection. Outdoor learning helps
pupils recognise how human actions
a昀昀ect the environment.
challenges that require adaptability and
perseverance.
Re昀氀ection strengthens this learning.
Asking “How will you use this feeling
of achievement in future situations?”
helps pupils understand their progress.
From Field Studies Council’s theory of change, 2025
For more than 80 years, the Field
Studies Council has championed
hands-on, meaningful learning in
natural environments. At a time
when teachers face intense curriculum
demands and many young people are
increasingly removed from nature, high
quality outdoor learning o昀昀ers
powerful opportunities to re-engage
learners. Yet, as Jo Harris, Education
Manager at the Field Studies Council,
explains, the true impact of outdoor
learning comes not from the activities
themselves but from the way they are
framed, facilitated and re昀氀ected upon.
By linking activities to
stewardship, educators can
ask questions such as
“How are we a昀昀ecting this
space as we use it?” or
“What role does this habitat
play in the wider environment?”
encouraging pupils to see
themselves as active participants
in environmental change.
Strengthening social and
communication skills
Outdoor learning naturally
promotes collaboration. New settings
encourage pupils to work together,
share ideas and solve problems.
Re昀氀ective questions - “Who supported
you today?” or “How did your group
approach this challenge?” help pupils
recognise the importance of teamwork
and constructive communication.
Enhancing wellbeing through
mindfulness
The wellbeing bene昀椀ts of nature are
well recognised. Being outdoors can
reduce stress and increase calm. These
bene昀椀ts are even stronger when
educators help pupils slow down and
pay attention.
Pupils might observe bird behaviour,
hold a smooth conker or spend a quiet
moment beside a stream. Follow up
questions such as “What moment made
you feel calm today?” help pupils
connect experiences to their wellbeing.
Developing resilience through real
world challenge
Outdoor environments provide natural
opportunities to develop resilience.
Weather changes, unfamiliar paths
or forgotten waterproofs create real
Igniting curiosity and a love of
learning
Nature is full of surprises. Pupils may
notice unusual insects, interesting
rocks or fungi they have never seen
before. Curiosity is a powerful driver of
learning and can even spark interest in
future environmental careers.
Educators can support this curiosity by
validating questions and encouraging
pupils to investigate and explore.
Conclusion: Skilled facilitation
unlocks nature’s potential
Outdoor learning o昀昀ers signi昀椀cant
bene昀椀ts, but the greatest impact comes
when educators guide pupils thoughtfully through the experience. Using
open questions, encouraging re昀氀ection
and creating memorable moments
helps pupils develop stronger learning,
deeper understanding of nature and
more robust personal and social skills.
These outcomes rely on educators who
understand the potential of outdoor
learning and who can help every child
explore and learn from the natural
world.
www.field-studies-council.org • 01743 852100 • enquiries@field-studies-council.org
