A comprehensive exploration of outdoor learning (ODL) environments in primary school education

Abstract

Numerous studies highlight the potential of outdoor learning (ODL)environments, yet there remains a gap in the literature regardinga holistic understanding of their use in Turkish primary schools fromboth teachers’ and students’ perspectives. To address this gap, thisstudy employed a phenomenological approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with 24 students and 12 teachers. Data wereanalyzed using content analysis. The study findings offer valuableinsights into ODL perceptions, benefits, and implementation chal-lenges. ODL environments foster positive learning attitudes,enhance social skills, improve retention, and provide experientiallearning opportunities. However, various challenges, such as pro-longed bureaucratic procedures, financial constraints, and curricu-lum integration difficulties, often hinder the effective use of ODL,leading to hesitancy even among supportive teachers. The resultsemphasize the need to streamline bureaucratic processes, integrateODL into the curriculum, and provide comprehensive teacher train-ing, alongside a thorough review of policies and curricular docu-ments to ensure optimal implementation.