Rows or clusters of desks, a whiteboard or smartboard with the day’s classwork. Walls covered in monotone colors and instructional posters. Windows surrounding the walls that are just barely letting light in.
This is what students face on a daily basis: a monotone classroom. According to an article by the Natural Medicine Journal, being in a stimulating learning environment, such as an outdoor education setting, can improve students’ intellectual, social, physical, psychological, and health-related well-being.
As the weather begins to become warmer, should Leesville try to incorporate more outdoor learning spaces?
Participating in classes outside can help students retain information, take responsibility for their education, and become physically healthier.
Research by Saint John’s Prep in New York City argues how a natural environment can enhance creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving.
A green outdoor setting fosters a greater sense of focus for students with ADHD. Being in a traditional classroom often comes with mental fatigue and a lack of engagement. Being outside can create an engaging and enthusiastic learning environment.
Nature-based lessons allow students to learn the classroom curriculum through hands-on activities and a fresh-air environment.
Dr. Eagle’s AP Environmental Science class participated in a lab outside at the beginning of spring. Lily Lesher, junior, and APES student, weighed in on her experience outside.
Lesher said, “[Being outside] lets us have more freedom and enjoy the environment as well as learning about APES stuff. I think it gives us a new environment to learn in and that can help other people learn in different ways.”
Being in an unfamiliar environment can create a deeper sense of curiosity and motivate more engagement from students.
Teachers can adapt their day-to-day classroom routines to include more experiments, applications, or lectures outside the classroom.
Alexa Jewell, sophomore, said, “It’s just fresh air and it’s clear. You can clearly think.” Being away from the standard four brick wall classroom allows students to engage with their learning in different ways while improving their mental and physical health.
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