Why Nature-Based Learning was the Obvious Choice for Boundless Education.
‘Nature-based learning’ plays a big role in Boundless Education. ‘Nature Time’ is such a popular part of our Explorers’ day. Our Education Centres are exceptionally well placed to fully leverage the uniqueness of each Boundless destination of course, but why is nature-based learning so integral to our approach?
A Worrying Paradigm Shift
The way our children learn, socialise, and utilise their spare time has evolved very quickly over recent years with increased dependence on mobile devices. ‘Screen-time’ is a constant source of both anxiety and conflict for parents swimming against a seemingly relentless tide of tech. Children have become increasingly sedentary and unaware of the natural world around them.
Furthermore, traditional teaching methods maintain a focus on standardised attainment and testing which can be to the detriment of the learning opportunities available through free-play and independent exploration.
Some of the statistics make for sombre reading:
A recent survey indicated that over 90% of US teachers and parents want to take learning outside and provide children with greater access to nature.
The answer could be right outside the door.
Research continues to demonstrate the many benefits being outdoors can bring to a child’s learning, physical state, mental health, and social development.
One team of researchers sought to answer the question: “Do nature experiences promote learning and child development?” and the answer was a categorical “Yes!”. Nature does promote learning in many direct and indirect ways. It can help children feel less stressed, be more attentive, more engaged in a subject, have greater self-discipline, and be more physically active and fit. Nature can also offer a better environment and more cooperative setting for learning.
The researchers identified eight ‘pathways’ through which nature-based learning can benefit and enhance the learning experience – both for the individual and for the class collective.
- Greater autonomy and creativity
Play-lead activities and opportunities for freeform learning results in more creativity, socialisation, and physical movement. - Calm, quiet, and safe space
The inherent qualities of a natural space have a calming effect which, in turn, is linked to greater engagement and academic success. It can also help reduce disruptive behaviour that can be more commonplace when children are distracted. - Healthier and Happier
The very nature of nature-based learning means that children are typically more active. This can help improve overall fitness and improve mental wellbeing. - Enhance self-discipline
Studies have found that impulse control is improved when children are exposed to nature. This is true of both children with additional educational needs and neurotypical children alike. - Relieving stress
Any of us who have taken a stroll along a beach or through a forest will appreciate the stress-relieving qualities of nature. Even a room with a view of nature can reduce the physiological symptoms of stress. - Greater levels of cooperation
Learning in greener settings has been linked to the overcoming of socio-cultural differences and interpersonal conflicts and difficulties that can sometimes interfere with the overall class dynamic in a more traditional setting. The theory is that nature provides a less restrictive context for learning that engenders a greater sense of freedom which, in turn, allows children time and opportunity to bond. Furthermore, the teacher-student relationship is perceived as less hierarchical, and more partnership based. This ‘levelling of the playing field’ allows for enhanced cooperation, better engagement and – ultimately – better academic outcomes. - Improved attention and focus
That afternoon breath of fresh air when the caffeine just won’t cut it? We’ve all been there. Nature is a great pick-me-up and has a restorative effect on children and adults alike. - Increased motivation
Research indicates that motivation is improved within nature-based learning and children who are least motivated in a traditional school setting showed the biggest improvement in this regard. It is believed that the overall positive impact on mood plays a large part in increased general interest and engagement. - Better relationships
The relative calm of natural settings is the perfect environment for the cultivation of meaningful friendships and bonds. When you combine this with active-learning opportunities and relative autonomy, friendships blossom!
Boundless Opportunity!
Our Education Centres and wonderful team of educators provide ample opportunities to fully capitalise on all the benefits we have briefly explored in this article. Lessons are often tailored to each Boundless destination so that they are truly immersive and fully utilise the unique and varied natural environments your family will experience.
References:
‘Miss, what’s a duck?’ Schools tackle nature deprived kids
Do Experiences With Nature Promote Learning? Converging Evidence of a Cause-and-Effect Relationship
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