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The BERA Guide to Outdoor Learning: Place-responsive Pedagogy in Educational Research and Practice reignites an educational focus on the role of place in outdoor learning. The book offers a timely and relevant response to contemporary societal, environmental and educational issues, alongside an increasing demand to renew children and young people’s relationships with the world around them.

Anchored in the core principles of place-responsive pedagogy, this book offers educators a breath of fresh air amidst increased curriculum demands and performance metrics in a post-pandemic neoliberal landscape. Insights emerge from a rich convergence of theory, practical application and lived experience. Authors make a compelling case for outdoor learning as a means of fostering world-resonance, resilience, creativity and a sense of belonging, as well as highlighting inclusive pathways for place-responsive education.

Published in partnership between the British Educational Research Association (BERA) and Emerald Publishing, The BERA Guides are short, research-informed yet accessible introductions to key, interdisciplinary topics impacting education research and practice for a broad academic audience.

Reviews

The BERA Guide to Outdoor Learning: Place-Responsive Pedagogy in Educational Research and Practice offers an inspiring exploration of outdoor education through the lens of place-responsiveness. It is a timely and welcome contribution to the growing literature on outdoor learning that underscores the importance of taking education outdoors to provide children and young people with opportunities to directly engage and interact with the world around them. Organised in two parts, the book first blends theoretical insights with practical advice for place-pedagogy before moving on to provide examples of place-based pedagogy in action. With a commitment to experiential learning, this book challenges practitioners to slow down and thoughtfully engage students with their locality thus embracing outdoor learning as a transformative approach to embrace the transformative power of outdoor learning to cultivate deeper connections with place, community and self through place-responsive pedagogy. It is both a call to action and a reflective guide for those seeking to create meaningful, holistic educational experiences beyond the classroom.

– Dr Emma Rawlings Smith, Lecturer in Sustainability and Geography Education, University of Southampton

We cannot underestimate the importance of Outdoor Learning in our primary schools. From Early Years mud kitchens to Upper Key Stage Two outdoor and adventurous residentials, the aims remain the same: to be active in the fresh air and feel good; to embrace new experiences and surprise ourselves; to exist in the moment and feel connected to our surroundings; to take notice and remember the simple things that give us joy. This book is essential reading for all educators who want to spread the word, reshape the curriculum and in doing so change young lives for the better.

– Jo Colledge, Headteacher, Ingleton Primary School