The Role of Outdoor Learning in Developing Scientific Understanding: A Consequential Educator Success

Abstract

This study explored the significant role of outdoor learning in enhancing students' scientific understanding, emphasizing how such experiential approaches contribute to educational success from the perspective of educators. It is important to mention that experiential approaches are considered necessary to achieve educational success. By using the qualitative approach, the research collected insights from teachers through interviews to probe their experiences, challenges, and realizations regarding the implementation of outdoor learning strategies. According to the findings, outdoor learning does not only enrich students’ understanding of scientific concepts but also triggers their curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, and environmental concerns that would help them become more aware of their surroundings and environment. Although educators had to deal with challenges such as limited resources, unpredictable environments, as well as time management problems, they found ways of coping with them by being creative, flexible, and collaborating. They used simple tools and shared ideas to solve problems. This study sums up that outdoor learning, in its integration with other learning elements, turns into a powerful instrument for deep and long-lasting scientific understanding, beneficial for learners and teachers. This research has the potential to be published in a reputable journal.