Browsing by Subject "ulkona opettaminen"

The aim of this study is to gather information and insights from experienced outdoor teachers regarding the arrangement and challenges of outdoor teaching. The purpose is also to explore the perceived benefits of teaching outdoors. Previous research has shown positive effects of outdoor teaching on student motivation, learning outcomes, physical activity, and social rela-tionships. Therefore, it is important to study the practical aspects and challenges of outdoor teaching from the perspective of those who have experience with it. The study is qualitative, the data collected by interviews. The study involved two class teacher students, two early childhood education nannies, a riding teacher, and a riding instructor. All participants had at least two years of experience in teaching outdoors. Thematic interviews were conducted, with class teacher students being interviewed remotely as pair interviews, and the riding teachers and instructors being interviewed while walking in the forest as pair inter-views. The early childhood education nannies were interviewed individually via remote means. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. The analysis method used was phenomenography, which explores the perceptions and experi-ences of the participants. The study found that there are various ways to organize outdoor teaching. One important factor for successful outdoor teaching is the enthusiasm and desire of the teacher to go outside. Planning, safety, and catering to the needs of the students were iden-tified as important considerations in the practical implementation of outdoor teaching. The most common environment for outdoor teaching among the participants was the immediate natural surroundings. Outdoor teaching was seen to have a positive impact on interaction and learning between students. While most participants felt that students enjoy being outdoors, the riding teacher and instructor had a different perspective, noting a negative attitude among their students towards outdoor teaching. There were also differences in the availability of equipment for outdoor teaching, with the early childhood education nannies feeling that it was easy to go outside and that children have suita-ble equipment. However, the class teachers, riding teacher, and riding instructor expressed challenges related to the lack of outdoor teaching equipment. However, overall, the partici-pants did not find teaching outdoors more challenging than teaching indoors. The study participants perceived numerous benefits of outdoor teaching. It was seen to en-hance interaction between students and provide opportunities for differentiation and teaching students in need of support. The natural environment was believed to foster diversity and pro-vide successful experiences for students who may struggle in traditional classroom settings. Additionally, the participants felt that teaching outdoors improved their own well-being at work. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the arrangement, challenges, and benefits of outdoor teaching as perceived by experienced outdoor teachers.