What is Learning Outside the Classroom?
Learning outside the classroom (LOtC) is an educational approach that takes students beyond traditional classroom settings and into the outdoors, community spaces, and real-world environments. It includes activities such as forest school sessions, school trips, outdoor science experiments, and nature-based learning.
According to Learning Through Landscapes, outdoor learning enhances engagement, improves focus, and supports academic achievement, particularly in subjects like science, geography, and literacy.
Why is Learning Outside the Classroom Important?
Studies show that outdoor learning improves children’s development in multiple ways:
✅ Boosts academic performance – Hands-on experiences make learning more meaningful (Education Endowment Foundation).
✅ Supports mental health & well-being – Being outdoors reduces stress and anxiety (Children & Nature Network).
✅ Encourages active learning – Moving while learning enhances cognitive development.
✅ Develops social & teamwork skills – Outdoor activities promote collaboration.
✅ Strengthens environmental awareness – Helps children develop a sustainable mindset (The Wildlife Trusts).
A report by Natural England found that 92% of teachers saw improved student engagement when learning took place outdoors.
Types of Learning Outside the Classroom Activities
LOtC can be integrated into various school subjects and across all age groups. Here are some effective outdoor learning activities:
For Early Years & Primary Schools
🌿 Nature Walks & Exploration – Encourage children to observe and record seasonal changes.
📚 Outdoor Literacy Activities – Storytelling, reading circles, and nature-inspired poetry.
🦋 Mini-Beast Hunts – Learning about insects and their habitats.
For Secondary Schools
🔬 Outdoor Science Experiments – Water testing, soil sampling, and weather monitoring.
🌍 Geography Fieldwork – Exploring landforms, ecosystems, and urban planning.
🏕️ Outdoor Survival & Bushcraft – Building shelters, orienteering, and fire lighting.
For All Ages
🧗 Adventure Learning – Rock climbing, kayaking, and orienteering.
🤝 Team-Building & Leadership Activities – Group challenges and problem-solving tasks.
🎭 Outdoor Drama & Creative Arts – Performing plays in natural settings.
How to Implement Learning Outside the Classroom
1. Use School Grounds & Local Spaces
- Convert school playgrounds into outdoor learning zones.
- Visit parks, nature reserves, and community gardens for practical lessons.
- Work with organizations like Forest Schools Association for structured outdoor learning programs.
2. Integrate Outdoor Learning into the Curriculum
- Align lessons with maths, literacy, science, and geography curricula.
- Use real-world examples and practical applications in teaching.
- Encourage project-based learning with sustainability and environmental themes.
3. Provide Outdoor Learning CPD for Teachers
- Train staff with outdoor education CPD courses (The Muddy Puddle Teacher).
- Use professional development programs to build confidence in teaching outside the classroom.
4. Engage Parents & the Community
- Organize family learning days with outdoor activities.
- Partner with local farms, conservation groups, and museums to enrich learning.
Learning Outside the Classroom vs Traditional Learning
| Feature | Learning Outside the Classroom | Traditional Classroom Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Style | Hands-on, experiential | Textbook & lecture-based |
| Engagement | High (interactive & practical) | Varies (passive learning) |
| Social Skills | Encourages teamwork & communication | Less peer collaboration |
| Creativity | Inspired by real-world experiences | More structured learning |
| Physical Activity | High (movement & exploration) | Low (mostly seated) |
The Future of Learning Outside the Classroom
As outdoor learning gains recognition, more schools are integrating it into their curriculums. Organizations like UNESCO advocate for nature-based education as a way to enhance student engagement, well-being, and sustainability awareness.
By prioritizing learning beyond the classroom, schools can create more dynamic, engaging, and effective learning experiences for students.
FAQs About Learning Outside the Classroom
Q: What subjects can be taught outside the classroom?
A: Outdoor learning supports maths, science, literacy, geography, PE, and even the arts. Many topics can be adapted to an outdoor setting.
Q: Can outdoor learning work in urban schools?
A: Yes! Schools can use rooftop gardens, courtyards, and local parks to create meaningful outdoor learning experiences.
Q: How does outdoor learning impact academic success?
A: Research from the Education Endowment Foundation shows that students who engage in hands-on learning retain information better and perform better in exams.
Next Steps for Schools & Educators
✅ Join a Learning Outside the Classroom Training Program – The Muddy Puddle Teacher
✅ Download Free Outdoor Learning Resources – Forest Schools Association
✅ Start Implementing Outdoor Learning Today – Sign Up for Training
