Outdoor Education

With many children spending their free time playing video and computer games and the instances of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children higher than ever before, outdoor education can provide a well rounded or alternative approach to education as well as exposing children to the joys and recreation that nature has to offer.  Outdoor education can take many forms and does not necessarily imply coursework centered on nature or environmental science. Outdoor education can be as simple as teaching math class outside to provide the children with a change of scenery in an effort to make the material more appealing. Conversely, outdoor education can be nature centered and can take the form of a trail walk in which students are required to collect various types of rock and leaves to later identify using classroom resources.

In addition to conducting class outdoors and leading nature walks, outdoor education can also be more physical and encourage children to run, jump and play in the fresh air before returning to the classroom. Gym class is a perfect setting for physical outdoor education and can help hyperactive students expel excess energy before returning to the classroom, as well as releasing endorphins which facilitate concentration and contributing to a more physically fit body and sharper mind

Alternative approaches to standard pedagogy are being employed in many public and private schools in an attempt to reach a new generation of students shaped by technology and electronic networking capability.  Although increases in technology seemingly make life easier, it also has a proven converse effect on the concentration abilities of young children and students. In an effort to combat this detrimental effect, alternative approaches to education, such as outdoor education are being employed in an attempt to make learning more fun, and therefore easier, for students.  Other alternative approaches include using songs to memorize facts, having students teach a subject so they are more actively engaged and many different approaches to outdoor education.