Design and evaluation of activities for teaching science through outdoor learning among year 5 primary school students

摘要

The foundation of a modern school should be lifelong and experiential learning from real life situations leading to lasting knowledge. One of the forms of learning enabling that is outdoor learning; students come in direct contact with the content, it helps them gain applied knowledge, and contributes to better health and social development. Students are more motivated for schoolwork because they see the aim and applicability in it while developing awareness and environmental responsibility.udWithin the master’s thesis, I designed and planned outdoor learning science activities for a group of sixteen students in the fifth class of the primary school in one of the CŠOD centres in Slovenia at the time. After the performance of the activities, I assessed them. I determined whether the set educational goals of the Science and technology could be achieved from outdoor learning and what kind of attitude toward outdoor learning students had. I also established whether students gained new knowledge and acquired new skills, whether such form of learning made a positive impact on their situation interest, and whether their grades in the Science and technology reflected the knowledge they showed from outdoor learning.udThe survey was based on a descriptive method of educational research and qualitative approach. I collected data through observation with participation, non-structural interview, and examination.udThe survey showed that students acquired learning objectives from outdoor learning and knowledge at higher taxonomic level according to Bloom. Most of the activities could not be carried out in the classroom. Students expressed the opinion that the outdoor learning was interesting and they liked to learn in a more active way through outdoor activities. They showed high situation interest in performed activities. Their grades in the subject often deviate from knowledge demonstrated at outdoor learning.udDesigned content and results will be useful for teachers who will prepare outdoor activities, and will serve to motivate and encourage teachers to organise outdoor learning activities more often. ud