Learning outside the classroom

Learning outside the classroom is not just about what you learn but how and where you learn as well. A manifesto was published in 2006 about learning outside the classroom. The aims of this manifesto are as follows: to improve training and professional development for schools and the workforce, to work with schools and local authorities to manage activities with young children etc.

Outside the classroom teaching is possible in a number of different contexts. One way I have seen learning outside the classroom is in Scouting. Scouts was founded by Robert Bayden Powell in 1907. It is estimated that there are between 25 and 40 million scouts in the world. The scouting association gives children of any age a sense of adventure in safe environment. This is why it is beneficial to children.

Another benefit of learning outside the classroom it can reduce behavioural problems in children. This is because they have the opportunity to do something new and that interests them whilst learning new skills.  This also develops skills and independence. This is because leaders teach the children skills through activities and trips to earn badges. They also develop independence in scouts as they get the opportunity to get away from their parents and go on camps and also take things into their own hands such as building their tents or cooking food on a fire.

Learning outside the classroom also links to the foundation phase. This is because both contexts believe that every child matters. This means that the children should be out first and every aspect should be centered around the child rather than around the subject area. They also both believe that active learning is better than learning from a textbook.