Virtual classrooms
Beyond what can be achieved in our own classrooms , the pandemic is forcing us to adopt technologies not previously used to their full potential . Blended learning between the physical and virtual classroom has become common place in many schools . However , this comes with its own challenges and the digital divide is becoming much more apparent . Those who have sufficient access to devices , strong internet connectivity and appropriate parental support at home can transition to the virtual learning environment with greater ease than those without these privileges . The move to learning from home also raises another question- How can we use our knowledge of optimising classroom environments when our students are at home ? As teachers , we can do little to directly influence or optimise the home learning environment , but by increasing children ’ s knowledge and awareness of the factors influencing their learning in the classroom , they are better placed to take ownership of their home learning environment . They may be more likely to find a quiet and well-lit place to work and understand the importance of opening a window and good air circulation .
There is another way
Often overlooked , greater use of the outdoor school environment is an ideal solution to many of the challenges I have highlighted . The risk of viral transmission is lower outdoors and many of the key factors that influence learning are improved outdoors . After carrying out their COVID risk assessments , many schools have increased use of their outdoor
spaces for learning , to help reduce the risks faced by pupils and teachers . As an outdoor learning specialist , I ’ ve worked with school groups for the last 13 years and witnessed first-hand the wide-ranging benefits of teaching and learning outdoors . Outside , children have more space , they can move around while maintaining greater distances , as opposed to being stuck at an allocated desk in the classroom . Evidence shows that children learn better outdoors , it improves wellbeing and behaviour , and teaching outdoors has a positive impact on teachers too ( 1 ). We all need benefits like this , now more than ever .
In my experience , almost the entire 4-11 curriculum can be taught outdoors and many 11-18 subject areas too . The outdoors provides greater context , resonance and meaning for learners at all stages , not just the early years , it is a fantastic free resource that should be placed at the heart of our planning . Access to this valuable resource is free , unlike the technology required to move learning online , and it is accessible to all pupils . Looking again at the seven key factors that influence learning , depending on the location of your school , all are improved simply by moving teaching outdoors . CO2 , VOCs and PM2.5 are reduced , it is quieter and there is abundant natural light . Thinking back to the aggregation of marginal gains , combining all these things together creates a much more effective learning environment and will have an even greater impact on pupils . Add in the reduced risk of coronavirus transmission , and the question becomes , why are we learning indoors ?
Where do we go from here ?
Coronavirus will be with us for some time , and just like it has driven us to use online platforms and distance learning much more widely , we could cease this opportunity to develop and grow our curriculum-based outdoor education provision . If you ’ re new to
learning outdoors , start with just one hour a day straight after a break time , so your students are already in their outdoor clothing , and build up from there . Look through your curriculum and short , medium and long-term planning to identify opportunities to take learning outdoors . I ’ ve provided a link to some free resources and lesson plans that will help you take your first steps or expand your current provision .
When learning indoors , take control of your classroom environment , monitor the key factors that impact learning and take simple steps to improve the environment for your students . Encourage pupils to understand these factors and empower them to take control of their own learning environments , it will improve their metacognition and understanding of how and where they learn best .
Taking these steps will help you find positives in this most challenging of times and the benefits will be felt by you and your pupils long after the pandemic is over .
Resources and classroom monitoring equipment
For a free collection of curriculumbased outdoor learning activities see https :// learning-rooms . com / curriculum-resources / teachingresources / whats-in-my-tray / outdoor /
To find out how to monitor your classroom environment and learn more about the seven key factors see https :// gratnellslearnometer . com /
Dr Katherine Forsey is the Learning Rooms and STEM Consultant for Gratnells . Katherine works with schools , teachers and technicians providing training and leadership in practical science , STEM and outdoor learning . Katherine is a Chartered Science Teacher and Outdoor Learning Specialist . Tweet @ DrBiol . Website : www . learning-rooms . com
Class Time Term 2 Jan - Mar 2021 37