Can Outdoor Learning Boost Academic Performance?

Education that involves nature can boost schooling performance - FACT!

One of the key studies, Effects of outdoor education programs for children in California, focused on 255 school children over four primary schools. One group of children were given an outdoor education routine, with a control group for comparison. The study found:

• Children who attended outdoor school raised their test scores by 27%

• Students who attended the program received significantly higher ratings than children who did not participate for: self-esteem, conflict resolution, relationship with peers, problem solving, motivation to learn, behavior in class.

So, as well as higher standardized test scores, outdoor learning boosted the kids’ social and personal skills.

A better attitude about school, higher attendances and boosted overall achievement. Many researchers have attributed this improvement to the hands-on aspect of outdoor learning, as well as its greater relevance.