Outdoor education as a tool forimmigrant learning: : An action research study

• Main Author: Simpson, James
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Linköpings universitet, Nationellt centrum för utomhuspedagogik (NCU) 2008
• Subjects: Outdoor education; immigrant education; action research; language learning; sense of place; Education; Pedagogik
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-54690

In what ways can outdoor education be used when teaching immigrants the language of their new country? There is aneed to both concretise grammar teaching and diversify teaching methods to bring language acquisition closer to reallife situations. By using action research a collaborative study was made with four Finnish teachers in four immigrantlanguage classes by implementing a series of lessons using outdoor education. Focussing on the teacher’s experiencequalitative interviews were conducted both before and after the collaborative outdoor lessons. This was supported byobservation and student verbal and written evaluation. Both positive and negative aspects of outdoor education were explored in relation to how effective it is as a teachingmethod and as a method of cultural assimilation and group socialisation. Outdoor education was found to support a sense of group inclusion and strengthen collective group experience.Difficult concepts were dealt with in a more tangible manner which specifically benefited weaker students. Byexploring the unfamiliar as a group in a supportive environment constructive outcomes were gained. Being outdoorsand using natural materials democratised the cultural meeting. Peer collaboration was demanding but fruitful andshould be used more as a developmental tool in education.