Introduction

This module provides examples of ways that learning outside the classroom can be used to facilitate education for a sustainable future. This includes short visits into the school grounds and local community, as well as visits to farms, factories, offices, neighbourhood science centres and natural settings such as a forest, a beach or a national park.

Providing students with high quality learning activities in relevant situations beyond the walls of the classroom is vital for helping students appreciate their first hand experiences from a variety of different perspectives. Experiences outside the classroom also enhances learning by providing students with opportunities to practice skills of enquiry, values analysis and clarification and problem solving in everyday situations.

However, taking students outside the classroom requires careful planning of the learning activities and attention to the health and safety risks that might be faced. This module provides guidance on these aspects of planning for learning outside the classroom.

Objectives

	To develop an awareness of the positive impact that experiences outside the classroom can have on education for a sustainable future;
	To develop an understanding of the planning, organisation and risk management required for teaching and learning outside the classroom; and
	To identify appropriate strategies for teaching and learning outside the classroom.

Activities

References

Credits

This module was written for UNESCO by Bernard Cox, Margaret Calder, John Fien and Lisa Ryan using material written by Barry Law in Learning for a Sustainable Environment (UNESCO - ACEID).