This module will explore the historical, philosophical and theoretical foundations of outdoor learning. These will be considered in relation to sustainability and the importance of fostering environmental awareness and exploring pedagogies to enhance understanding and initiatives in relation to climate change. There will be opportunities to:



Examine existing initiatives and approaches to outdoor learning

Explore community and educational based project approaches

Consider strategies to develop outdoor learning

Enhance understanding of how to address climate change and sustainability in formal and informal curricula

Examine how sustainability can be embedded in project based initiatives

Participate in outdoor learning activities

Using an educational context, design and pitch a project that examines and applies theories of the importance of outdoor learning, supporting understandings of environmental awareness and sustainability. Write an informative and persuasive blog which promotes the rationale for the project.

Within the pitch you will need to:

Analyse philosophy and theories related to outdoor learning and consider them in relation to the project.

Evaluate the possibility for the project to address environmental awareness and application of sustainability principles in education practice

Within the blog:

Provide a short piece of persuasive writing which promotes the project.

Teaching and learning strategies on MA Education programmes are designed to develop personal, intellectual and professional skills. Students will encounter teaching and learning approaches that ensure the development of:



Strategies of communicating clearly

Enhanced independent thinking

Understanding the societal, environmental and global potentials of education

Creative problem solving

Critical thinking



To support this skill development and to ensure that students develop subject knowledge and understanding, subject specific skills and focused transferable skills, a range of teaching and learning strategies will be employed so that critical engagement with aspects of education are developed. These might include:



Individual participant learning activities

Group discussions

Participation in discussion forums

Group work

Peer review

Engagement with course and learning materials

Independent research

Enhancing technological skills



There will also be the opportunity to receive developmental formative feedback and tutor support focused on academic and professional development.



This module will incorporate practical activities where possible which may involve participation in local projects and communities. Students may also participate in projects in their local area, organisation or institution.

Demonstrate a critical understanding of the philosophical and theoretical practices of outdoor learning

Enquiry


Evaluate the potential for outdoor learning to enhance environmental awareness and sustainability

Problem-solving


Communicate persuasively the value of outdoor learning in the promotion of environmental and sustainable education

Communicate

Cincera, J.¿et al.¿(2021)¿Real World Learning in Outdoor Environmental Education Programs: The Practice from the Perspective of Educational Research. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5817/CZ.MUNI.M210-9758-2021



Grindheim, L.T., Sorensen, H.V. and Rekers, A. (2021)¿Outdoor Learning and Play: Pedagogical Practices and Children’s Cultural Formation. 1st ed. 2021. Springer Nature. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-72595-2.



Jucker, R. and Au J. (eds.) (2022) High-Quality Outdoor Learning. Springer. Outdoor Learning—Why It Should Be High up on the Agenda of Every Educator | SpringerLink



Schroth, S. (2023) Outdoor Education: A Pathway to Experiential, Environmental and Sustainable Learning. Palgrave Macmillan



Waite, Sue. (2017)¿Children learning outside the classroom¿: from birth to eleven. 2nd ed. London: SAGE.

Unless otherwise stated, all books are available online through Staffordshire University library website and each module has an online reading list accessed through the VLE.¿

Study skills:¿¿There is extensive guidance on academic writing, research skills and working at Master’s level available at¿https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/study-skills.

VLE Resources¿¿

The University VLE (Blackboard) will enable access to course materials, lecture notes, PowerPoint presentations and reading lists.¿ The VLE offers opportunities to engage in group work and independent learning¿using¿such things as synchronous/asynchronous discussion boards, video links, blogs and wikis.¿¿



Teams

Teams may be used for one to one tutorial work and students will have access to Microsoft Office 365.

This module provides an opportunity to develop a deep understanding of the pedagogies and theories of outdoor learning and how it can enhance educational practice. It will foster stronger connections to learning outdoors and exploring how it can develop learner resilience and understanding. There will be the opportunity to critically evaluate existing approaches to learning outdoors to facilitate, for example; potential curriculum development, community involvement, national and global initiatives. A fundamental theme of this module is to incorporate principles of environmental awareness, whether addressing climate change as part of outdoor learning, exploring sustainability in learning practices or connecting and sensitising learners to their outdoor environments.