Effectiveness of Outdoor Learning Activities: Perspectives of Primary School Teachers

Abstract

Students who participate in a variety of outdoor activities improve their problem-solving skills, acquire useful knowledge, strengthen their resilience in the face of adversity, and form a closer bond with nature. Engaging students in outdoor learning activities offers a means of fostering nature interactions within the school setting. The study aimed to explore teachers’ perspectives on the effectiveness of outdoor learning activities. This study was descriptive in nature and adopted survey method to collect data from the participants. The sample comprised of 270 primary school teachers in the Sialkot district. A questionnaire was developed to assess the effectiveness of outdoor learning at primary level, comprising 21 statements related to cognitive, affective and psychomotor learning of primary school students. Findings of the study revealed that primary school teachers perceive outdoor learning activities effective for the development of cognitive, affective and psychomotor abilities of primary school students. However, there are significant differences in perspectives between male and female teachers regarding the effectiveness of outdoor learning at primary school level. It is recommended that professional training should be conducted to train teachers to incorporate outdoor learning activities effectively into primary education.