Outdoor education is an innovative teaching method that transitions learning from the traditional classroom setting to a natural environment, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter and promoting long-term retention. The implementation of outdoor education can vary between countries due to diverse factors. The Nordic countries, particularly Finland, exemplify a high-quality educational system where students achieve international success and schools employ innovative teaching approaches.
In this master's thesis, we analyzed the organisation of outdoor education in the school systems of Finland and Slovenia. We examined the frequency and extent of outdoor education implementation, the subjects and learning content where this approach is recommended, and its significance in the curricula for primary school science subjects and overall. We also gained insights into the perspectives of Slovenian and Finnish respondents regarding the organisation and importance of outdoor education.
We analyzed available studies, articles, curricula, educational plans, professional literature, and other documents related to both countries' curricula and eds. Additionally, we conducted interviews with four Finnish and four Slovenian researchers and/or professors and teachers from each country. This allowed us to connect theoretical knowledge with practical experiences and opinions, providing a more precise insight into the research problem.
Our findings indicate that outdoor education is a key component of the Finnish school system, integrated into the national curriculum, with Finnish teachers expressing high satisfaction with this practice due to numerous benefits, such as improved student concentration, increased environmental awareness, and better physical activity. In Slovenia, formal inclusion of outdoor education is less extensive, partly due to the lack of specific guidelines in the curricula. However, Slovenian teachers who employ this approach report positive outcomes, such as increased student motivation, better connection with nature, and improved academic performance.
Our research suggests a need for more systematic integration of outdoor education into the Slovenian educational system. Experiences from Finland can serve as an inspiration for more frequent inclusion of outdoor education in the Slovenian educational framework.
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