Introduction
In the quest to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world, educators are increasingly recognizing the importance of fostering 21st Century skills—communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. The recent study titled "Does growth in the outdoors stay in the outdoors?" explores how extended outdoor learning experiences can significantly enhance these skills, alongside boosting student motivation and engagement.
The Glengarry Program: A Case Study
The Glengarry program, a six-month residential and outdoor learning experience for Year 9 boys at The Scots College in Australia, serves as a prime example of how outdoor education can be leveraged to enhance student outcomes. The program involves living in a boarding-style community, participating in regular school classes at a bush campus, and undertaking challenging outdoor education trips.
Key Findings from the Research
The study found that participation in the Glengarry program led to significant increases in students' self-reported 21st Century skills, particularly in creativity, communication, and collaboration. These gains were maintained for up to 10 months after returning to the traditional school environment.
However, while 21st Century skills showed enduring improvement, motivation and engagement levels experienced a dip upon returning to the conventional school setting. This suggests that while students internalize personal skills developed through outdoor learning, the traditional school environment may not fully support sustained motivation and engagement.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners looking to enhance student outcomes, the findings suggest several actionable insights:
- Integrate outdoor learning experiences into the curriculum to foster 21st Century skills.
- Focus on creating a supportive and engaging school environment that mirrors the positive aspects of outdoor learning, such as strong peer and teacher connections.
- Encourage self-directed learning and critical thinking through open-ended challenges and real-world applications.
Recommendations for Further Research
While the study provides compelling evidence of the benefits of outdoor learning, further research is needed to explore:
- How to effectively transfer the motivation and engagement gains from outdoor programs back into traditional school settings.
- The specific elements of outdoor learning that most significantly impact student outcomes.
- How shorter outdoor learning experiences can be designed to achieve similar benefits.
Conclusion
The Glengarry program demonstrates the potential of outdoor learning to significantly enhance student engagement and 21st Century skills. By incorporating these insights into educational practices, practitioners can create more engaging and effective learning environments that prepare students for the complexities of the modern world.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Does growth in the outdoors stay in the outdoors? The impact of an extended residential and outdoor learning experience on student motivation, engagement and 21st century capabilities.
