Outdoor Learning Across the Curriculum: Theory and Guidelines for Practice

Following the acclaim for Learning Outside the Classroom in 2012, this latest book more deeply explains how well constructed outdoor learning experiences can benefit children and young people’s academic development and health and wellbeing.

Outdoor Learning Across the Curriculum outlines the theory and practice to enable preservice and experienced primary and secondary school teachers to systematically incorporate meaningful outdoor learning opportunities into their daily teaching activities, in a range of environments and with diverse groups of students. Six of the chapters are substantially re-worked versions of the 2012 book, two are completely re-imagined, and four are entirely new. Topics for developing learning and teaching outdoors include:

• Inclusive educational design
• Learning for sustainability
• Community-based learning
• The role of student curiosity and wonder
• Evidencing learning
• Developing a whole school approach
• Place-responsive education
• Integrating digital technology

With practical and engaging chapters containing aims, case studies, and guidelines for practice, this timely book provides teachers the tools with which they can integrate outdoor learning into their daily timetable. It will also be a valuable resource to other professions which use the outdoors for educational purposes.

Simon Beames is Professor of Friluftsliv at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in Oslo.

Peter Higgins is Professor of Outdoor, Environmental, and Sustainability Education at the University of Edinburgh.

Robbie Nicol is Professor of Place-Based Education at the University of Edinburgh.

Heidi Smith is a Lecturer in Outdoor Learning at the University of Edinburgh.