Cheryl
Williams, Wyoming Indian Elementary School,
Ethete, WY
GOING TO SCHOOL IN ANOTHER SETTING
Problem |
Spending time in a classroom reading words from a textbook that has little to do with real life can be boring to most students and teachers. |
Research Question |
How does an outdoor-education-centered curriculum affect student behavior and
learning? |
Methods |
- Student work
- Photographs
- Anecdotal notes
- Field notes
|
Findings |
- Students looked forward to going outside to learn.
- Once students understood behavioral expectations and what kind of product was needed there were no behavior or management problems when outside students’ sense of self confidence improved with time spent outside.
- Students’ ability to express them self in written form improved.
- Students showed increased engagement with and enthusiasm for learning.
|
Policy
Recommendations |
Increasing outdoor education with students will develop their knowledge, understanding, and appreciation for the environment, community and natural surroundings Increasing outdoor education with students guided by facilitators using proven educational practices helps students move toward constructing their own learning.
|
|