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Broad Benefits of Outdoor Learning
Explore how outdoor learning enhances student development and engagement.
Inclusive Design Strategies
Learn to create inclusive and resource-efficient outdoor learning experiences.
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Overcoming Barriers
Discover approaches to overcome common barriers to outdoor education.
About the Course
This foundational course explores the transformative potential of outdoor learning across all educational levels. Designed to inspire educators, this module provides strategies to create engaging outdoor environments that foster exploration, curiosity, and active participation. It emphasises how outdoor learning cultivates critical skills such as resilience, creativity, and environmental stewardship while aligning seamlessly with curriculum objectives. Through this module, educators will discover the benefits and challenges of embedding outdoor learning in diverse settings, including how to navigate logistical constraints, safety concerns, and curriculum integration
Meet Your Instructor
Luke Parker Luke Parker is an award-winning educator, researcher, and leader specializing in outdoor learning and artificial intelligence in education. With a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas, Luke has explored the role of outdoor learning in U.S. education, including the first nationwide study of its implementation and impact. Luke's professional journey began in Australian schools, where he combined his expertise in outdoor education and teaching. As an Education Officer for Outdoors Victoria since 2017, Luke spearheaded the development of over 30 teacher toolkits, equipping educators with strategies to integrate outdoor learning across curricula. His work has been instrumental in showcasing how outdoor environments can enrich learning in diverse subjects, from health and physical education to humanities and technologies.
Outdoors Victoria Professional Development Modules
Throughout 2024 and 2025, Outdoors Victoria will release 15 professional development modules designed to empower educators with practical tools and strategies to integrate outdoor learning across the curriculum. These modules are updated annually to ensure relevance and alignment with the evolving needs of school teachers. Module Highlights: Introduction to Outdoor Learning Explore the principles, benefits, and applications of outdoor learning across diverse educational settings. Geography and Outdoor Learning Learn strategies for teaching geographical skills, location identification, and data collection through outdoor experiences. Science and Outdoor Learning Enhance scientific understanding through outdoor experiments, observations, and field-based activities. Mathematics and Outdoor Learning Connect mathematical concepts to real-world applications using outdoor activities. English and Outdoor Learning Foster language skills with nature journaling, environmental debates, and outdoor storytelling. History and Outdoor Learning Engage with historical narratives and contexts by utilizing outdoor environments as interactive learning spaces. Health and Physical Education (Parts 1 & 2) Promote physical activity and well-being through outdoor games, sports, and risk-taking in safe settings. The Arts and Outdoor Learning Inspire creativity through outdoor art, music, dance, and drama projects. Languages and Outdoor Learning Support language acquisition with immersive, context-based activities in outdoor settings. Technologies and Outdoor Learning Leverage technology, such as geocaching and augmented reality, to enrich outdoor learning experiences. Music Education and Outdoor Learning Use natural soundscapes and outdoor musical activities to ignite creativity and expression. Humanities and Outdoor Learning Explore civics, economics, and business concepts through engaging outdoor projects. Intercultural and Ethical Capabilities Foster cultural understanding and ethical reasoning with outdoor activities that highlight diverse perspectives. Personal, Social, Critical, and Creative Thinking Build resilience, empathy, and problem-solving skills through collaborative outdoor challenges. Cross-Curriculum Priorities Integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures into outdoor learning programs. These modules are designed to enhance student engagement, deepen learning, and provide educators with innovative approaches to teaching. Stay tuned for the release of each module and join the journey to transform your teaching practices through outdoor learning.
Acknowledgment
We sincerely thank the Department of Education and the Strategic Partnerships Program (SPP) for their generous support in making this program possible. Their commitment to professional development and inclusive education has allowed us to create and deliver these modules, equipping educators with the tools to foster meaningful outdoor learning experiences. This initiative would not have been possible without the backing of the Department and the SPP, and we are proud to collaborate in empowering teachers to make a lasting impact in their classrooms.
Unlock the Potential of Outdoor Learning
Join a vibrant community of educators and transform your teaching approach! Enroll now to begin your journey toward creating dynamic outdoor learning experiences.