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
Outdoor Learning
and spontaneous opportunities. Intrap-
ersonal 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 pal-
ette 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 read-
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