How Schools with Good Academic Results Justify Their Use of Outdoor Education

Abstract

In this study, we focus on how teachers and headmasters in Norwegian schools achieving good results on national tests justify the use of outdoor education; a practice often considered time-consuming and less effective than traditional classroom education. The research strategy used in the study is case studies. The cases are three schools with good academic results. The study is based on seven semi-structured interviews with teachers and headmasters from the three schools. The interviews were analyzed in a comparative analysis process, aiming to develop appropriate categories descriptive of the argumentation for outdoor education. The results show that the emphasis on academic outcome is strong, but schools using outdoor education regularly have a broader justification. They recognize outdoor education as a tool that helps create a holistic learning environment. Variation, motivation and social skills are important elements contributing to the child’s holistic learning. Using the statements from teachers as a guide, we introduce “The Flower of Outdoor Education”.