Browsing by Author "Astikainen, Amalia"

The purpose of this research is to describe primary education teachers’ practices and thoughts on out-of-school learning environments. Since the national core curriculum for basic education (2014) is underlining the importance of utilizing out-of-school learning, it is meaningful to find out what teachers themselves think about this and how much they use out-of-school learning environments at the moment. This research approaches the subject from primary educations’ perspective, for during the first years of school a child learns some of the most important skills that have to do with school and studying and therefore also with studying in out-of-school learning environments. The theory chapter of this research elaborates the concept of a learning environment and what has been written about it, especially about out-of-school learning environments. Previous research has proved that learning outside of school can lead to better learning. Also the teachers’ views about the subject have been quite positive. The research was carried out in March-April of 2016 by interviewing two primary education teachers. One of the teachers works in the metropolitan area and the other in a smaller town. The material of two semi-structured interviews was analysed with content analysis, then arranged into different categories according to themes that stood out from the teachers’ answers. The primary education teachers had a positive attitude to utilizing out-of-school learning environments. They thought that learning outside of school provides concrete examples, which results in better learning. Additionally, the teachers appreciated the opportunities to explore the immediate surroundings of the school and to observe the environment. The teachers thought it is important to plan the visit or fieldtrip and to set some aims for it. They also noted how important it is for a teacher to be able to trust his/her pupils. In addition to that, safety and short distance were emphasized. As a challenge, the teachers mentioned the lack of the resources provided. All in all, the teachers experience utilizing out-of-school learning environments as a useful and important part of school also in primary education.