Outdoor Learning
Learning Outside the Classroom
Outdoor Education can provide a dramatic contrast to the indoor
classroom. Direct experience outdoors is more motivating and has
more impact and credibility. These experiences generate an enthusiasm
for learning which can be carried back to the classroom and have
a lasting influence on the development of young people.
Outdoor Learning takes place in the natural environments where
participants can see, hear, touch and smell the real thing, it
also happens in circumstances where actions have real results and
consequences.
Suffolk Outdoor Education is committed to the process of outdoor
learning. Our activities help develop aspects of personality such
as self confidence, teamwork, motivation and trust. Skills such
as problem solving, decision making and communication are enhanced.
In addition we are also able to provide valuable learning opportunities
in other areas such as the environment, conservation, navigation,
safety, self-sufficiency and leadership. Although our activity
programmes are designed to be very challenging, the emphasis is
always on learning through enjoyment. We believe that most people
learn the most when they are having fun.
Reviewing
Through evaluation we enable every participant to reflect on
their achievements and experiences. Participants learn about the
outdoors, themselves and each other, while also learning outdoor
skills. Active learning readily develops the learning skills of
enquiry, experiment, feedback, reflection, review and cooperative
learning.
Outcomes for children and young people
Outdoor and Residential Education, as part
of Suffolk Youth & Connexions Service, directly contribute
to the delivery of the five outcomes set out in Every Child Matters:
Change for Children. Programmes and activities will help in the
development and well-being of children through;
- Encouraging a healthy lifestyle, promoting physical exercise,
fitness and enjoyment of the outdoors.
- Providing safe environments to explore risk, decision making,
attitudes beliefs and values.
- Promoting self-belief, opportunities for personal challenge
and offering accredited learning opportunities.
- Supporting volunteering, active participation and raising
awareness around social skills the environment and citizenship.
- Assisting in developing independence, coping with change and
increasing confidence to make informed choices for their future.
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