Into the Wild: Overcoming Barriers in K-12 Outdoor Education
Keywords:
Outdoor education, K-12 education, barriers, experiential learning, teacher training, curriculum flexibility, safety concerns, community supportAbstract
Outdoor education offers K-12 students unique opportunities for experiential learning, fostering connections with nature and developing critical life skills. However, despite its benefits, several barriers hinder the successful implementation of outdoor education programs in schools. These challenges include limited funding, inadequate teacher training, safety concerns, and the pressure to meet academic standards. This paper examines these barriers and explores potential strategies for overcoming them. By drawing on case studies and existing research, we identify successful models of outdoor education and provide recommendations for educators, policymakers, and communities. The findings suggest that overcoming these obstacles requires a collaborative approach, integrating curriculum flexibility, professional development, and community support.
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