Outdoor Learning and spontaneous opportunities . Intrapersonal learners may prefer individual reflection or small group learning , while interpersonal social learners need the discussion and feedback of a larger group .
Sense of Enclosure
Protection from the elements , quality of natural light , framing a view or vista , and create a sense of enclosure that can encourage learning . Designing places intentionally which delight in shape and orientation inspire inquiry .
Music of Nature
Listening to surroundings , fully using our senses improves our cognitive capacity . Designing space with attention to acoustical stimuli broadens our palette to include water features and bird habitats and human laughter . Providing places to sit and listen to the symphony of natural sounds can help clear and focus the mind .
Linguistic Reflection
Didactic landscapes provide literal educational opportunities through reading the labels of specimens or narratives descriptions . Poetry , quotes and dedications inspire reflection and contemplation . A quiet place to sit and read can nurture the naturalistic linguistic learners in our midst .
Change in Elevation
Movement through the landscape , changing levels forces a different perspective on learning . Stairs , ramps , bridges , tree houses , and site walls change our point of view . Challenge a transition to become a teaching device and motivate the body kinesthetic and natural intelligences .
Edible Landscape
“ People think of the mind as being located in the head , but the latest findings in physiology suggest that the mind doesn ’ t really dwell in the brain but travels the whole body on caravans of enzyme , busily making sense of the compound wonders we catalogue as touch , taste , smell , hearing , and vision ,” write Diane Ackerman in her book , A Natural History of the Senses . Understanding where our food comes from , what plants need to grow and thrive , how to organically solve pest problems , when to plant and harvest , is knowledge pivotal for human survival .
Therapeutic Qualities
Research confirms that direct contact with nature increases mental health and psychological and spiritual development . Benefits include stress reduction , a sense of coherence and belonging , improved self-confidence and self-discipline , and a broader sense of community . Connecting the exterior with the interior through views , paving patterns , colors and textures , enhances learning and health .
No Limits
What is the definition of an “ outdoor classroom ”? Simply a place outside that invites learning ; it could be anywhere our imaginations take us . What if every indoor classroom had a correlating outdoor classroom ? Of course there are real limits ; budget , schedule , location , terrain , climate , storm water management , access , technology and material limits . Proceed with optimism , and share the scientific data that documents the value of learning outdoors . Be inspired to create your own curriculum and definition of what is an “ outdoor classroom .”
Conclusion
Go Outside to Learn ! Nurturing the learner in all of us will improve
EDspaces Education : Robin Randall and Loren Johnson will be joining a panel presentation on “ Green Schoolyards for Healthy Schools and Healthy Communities EDspaces 2017 . Their session is on Thursday , October 26 at 8:00 am in Kansas City , MO .
our ability to see things clearly and digest information more effectively . This knowledge sparks application , translating the abstract into action . So research , ponder , present , apply , analyze , improve and then apply again . If we have knowledge and we don ’ t apply that knowledge to action we are negligent . Outdoor learning environments , often an afterthought in design projects , are a key ingredient in programming educational facilities . So get outside today with a new perspective , breathe deeply and take the path less traveled , as Robert Frost wrote , it will make all the difference ! n
ROBIN RANDALL , AIA , LEED AP BD + C , is Vice President and Director of PreK-12 Education at Legat Architects . For over 30 years , Robin has designed and planned award-winning educational facilities ranging from early learning centers to high schools , as well as specialty learning environments . Robin earned a Fulbright Scholarship to Denmark in 1990 and continues her academic pursuits today as a guest juror at Ball State and Judson Universities , as well as a presenter at regional , national , and international conferences .
LOREN JOHNSON , LEED AP BD + C is project designer and Associate at Legat Architects , specializing in the artful solving of such design problems . Loren holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies degree and a Master of Architecture degree with a focus in Ecological Design from Judson University in Elgin . Upon graduation , he was awarded the ARCC King Medal for Architectural Research as well as the Dean ’ s Award for Academic Excellence . essentials | www . edmarket . org 37