Teachers as Learners Outdoor Elementary Science

Abstract

Young learners benefit from learning and engaging in nature, but nature-based outdoor learning impacts on teachers are less understood. The present study examined elementary school teachers’ learning experiences with science instruction in outdoor natural settings. An Outdoor Science Education (OSE) program partnered with schools in the southeastern US to provide standards-aligned outdoor science lesson expeditions for fifth grade students. Teachers reported their participation in expeditions improved their own content knowledge in science and contributed to their confidence teaching science and teaching in the outdoors. In addition, teachers reported their perceptions of students’ performance in their science classes and on their standardized science tests. The teachers described how the expeditions improved their students’ engagement for learning and behavior in outdoor settings when compared to indoor science instruction. They discussed how these changes were most obvious for students who struggled with traditional classroom instruction. Using survey and interview data, we discuss the potential for teacher learning related to outdoor science instruction.