Outdoor Learning in Higher Education

Educating Beyond the Seminar Room

Wendy Garnham editor Paolo Oprandi editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:15th Aug '24

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Outdoor Learning in Higher Education cover

Outdoor Learning in Higher Education is essential reading for educational developers and academic teachers of all disciplines interested in the theory behind, and benefits of, learning outdoors. Filled with practical case studies and backed by recent research, it provides educators with the tools needed to create an effective yet inclusive learning experience for their students beyond the lecture hall or seminar room.

In chapters which offer analysis, discussion of current debates and advice for good practice, the book is structured around five key themes:

  • Theoretical perspectives and research supporting outdoor learning.
  • Health and wellbeing benefits for learners and educators.
  • Tools and techniques for teaching outdoors, including new technology.
  • Examples of effective fieldwork.
  • Crossing educational borders and implementing sustainability and the natural world into the curriculum.

This key book covers issues which are relevant across all disciplines in higher education, including: experiential learning, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and incorporating new technology. Outdoor Learning in Higher Education develops perspectives on these and other themes, while encouraging the creation of inspiring and effective learning environments.

'Taking teaching and learning outside of the traditional classroom into urban and/or rural settings, has the potential to provide academic, personal and professional development benefits for both students and staff in higher educational settings. This book is a great platform into past, current and future directions of theory, research and applied practice related to this dynamic pedological approach. It also explores aspirational methods and opportunities to further develop and enhance current outdoor learning opportunities in HE and may just inspire you to take it outside!'

Sally-Ann Starkey, Senior Lecturer, Liverpool John Moores University

'Outdoor learning, such as field trips, have been around in higher education for many years but recently I have become more interested in learning outside, not only in terms of curriculum content but also introducing alternative pedagogic approaches and considering the wellbeing of my students. Much of the current literature has focused on outdoor learning in the school environment, so for me this is a much-needed book bringing the spotlight to outdoor learning in higher education.'

Dr Isobel Gowers, Associate Professor, Anglia Ruskin University

'For university lecturers and students, outdoor learning opens up a wide range of creative possibilities for subverting and transcending traditional approaches to teaching and university education more broadly. The innovative pedagogies and real-world examples presented in this volume not only break down the walls of academia but also create a bridge that connects learners to the natural world and diverse ways of thinking. As someone deeply invested in humanistic pedagogies, inclusivity and the holistic development of my students, I found this book to be an invaluable resource for reimagining the possibilities of higher education in the great outdoors.'

Tabban Betts,Lecturer in Higher Education Pedagogy, University of Sussex

'The book comes at a time when the insightful exploration of outdoor learning and its impact on HE couldn't be needed more.'

George Robinson, Senior Learning Technologist, University of Sussex

ISBN: 9781032567372

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 340g

202 pages