In the past decade, mental health has become a rampant issue for the younger generation, especially students in America. In the midst of this crisis, schools have struggled to improve the morale of students. However, a more creative approach could be the answer to this persistent problem. Outdoor learning is an alternative that should be implemented in schools because it is highly beneficial to the mental and physical health of students, while also providing a unique learning experience that will improve the overall class morale. 

History of Outdoor Schooling

According to the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the idea of outdoor classrooms first emerged around the early 1900s. The goal of these classrooms was to “prevent the spread of dangerous diseases” at the time, which proved highly effective.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 in 2020, thousands of schools across the country implemented outdoor learning environments, which proved to be valuable for school communities. While many private high schools fund and maintain outdoor environments or courtyards for their students, almost all public high schools learn strictly indoors. 

The Benefits of Outdoor Learning

Studies have shown that we as human beings tend to learn better in comfortable, freeing environments rather than in claustrophobic ones, such as classrooms with small metal desk chairs. Evidence derived from Pacific Oaks College points to an increase in motivation and overall improvements in academic performance for struggling students. Being outside in the fresh air and bright sun is also highly beneficial to our mental and physical well-being, which helps schools encourage both students and teachers to have happy and healthy lives. 

Overall, an outdoor learning environment provides unique and memorable educational experiences with a variety of health benefits. However, some parents, teachers, and administrators who hold influential positions in education and schooling argue that outdoor learning is unrealistic, as factors such as the weather, lack of funding, and potential for distractions pose too much of a threat. This explains why many schools have chosen a more flexible route, providing both indoor and outdoor classrooms for their students. 

Our School Environment 

As Harrison High School students, much of our school day is spent indoors. Making decisions that can affect the learning and behavior of students is often incredibly complicated and causes disagreements. Within our school, many students have differing opinions on whether or not implementing outdoor environments would be beneficial to our community. To gain an outside perspective, two high school juniors were interviewed on whether or not our school should take this route. Sarah Lerner, a junior at Harrison High School stated, “Yes. In my opinion, [outdoor learning} allows for students to get some fresh air, and being in nature creates a sense of relaxation.” On the other hand, Jonathan Barraro, a junior at Harrison High school, disagreed, arguing that outdoor learning can be harmful since “there’s bugs, and it gets cold.” Despite these differing opinions, the question remains: Would outdoor classroom environments be beneficial to Harrison High School? 

References

• “The importance of going outside for youth education.” Pacific Oaks College, 23

     Sept. 2021, www.pacificoaks.edu/voices/education/

     the-importance-of-going-outside-for-youth-education/. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

• Bauld, Andrew. “Make Outdoor Learning Your Plan A.” Harvard Graduate School of

     Education, 18 Aug. 2021, www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/21/

     08/make-outdoor-learning-your-plan. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.