The Transformative Power of Outdoor Education in Addressing Teacher Challenges
March 07, 2025
In the contemporary educational landscape, teachers face numerous challenges that can significantly impact their effectiveness and well-being. According to the Pew Research Center’s 2024 teacher and education survey, some of the most pressing issues include chronic absenteeism, mental health concerns for both educators and students, academic pressure and student behavior (Lin et al.).
As a teacher with 24 years of experience, I have witnessed these challenges firsthand, often feeling overwhelmed to the point of considering leaving the profession. However, I discovered a transformative approach that revitalized my teacher career: outdoor education. This method not only enhances the learning experience but also addresses many of the challenges outlined in the survey, and that weigh on the hearts and minds of educators around the country.
Benefits of Outdoor Education
Outdoor education is not just about taking lessons outside; it’s a holistic approach that can significantly improve student well-being and engagement. Here’s how embracing this transformative teaching method can address chronic absenteeism, enhance mental health and alleviate academic pressures.
Outdoor education can make learning more engaging and enjoyable, which in turn can reduce absenteeism. In my experience, when students are excited about their learning environment, they are more likely to attend class regularly. The novelty and excitement of outdoor lessons can rekindle a student’s interest in school, making them eager to participate and learn.
An additional benefit of outdoor learning is the calming effect that can reduce stress and anxiety, which are common challenges I have seen among students that can negatively impact their mental health and performance in school. Being outdoors promotes physical activity and exposure to sunlight, which are known to improve mood and mental well-being. Outdoor education can provide a much-needed break from the traditional classroom setting, allowing students to relax and rejuvenate mentally.
Outdoor education can alleviate academic pressure by transitioning from a sit-and-get educational paradigm to experiential learning, allowing students to engage with material hands-on.
I have seen this replace memorization and high-stakes testing with a deeper focus on understanding and applying concepts. Moreover, I have seen how the collaborative nature of outdoor activities can foster peer support, helping students feel less isolated with their academic challenges.
Strategies for Your School
You may be wondering, “How can I practically implement outdoor education into my already tight schedule?” Here are a few strategies that you might be able to use to get started in your school or classroom.
Nature journaling is a great way to incorporate writing, communication and student self-reflection into the curriculum. The journaling exercises can also include mindfulness exercises to encourage students to process their emotions and experiences.
Designing lessons that facilitate collaboration can help students support each other and develop a sense of community.
Lastly, just about any content area can be related to the outdoor world from English Language Arts, mathematics, social studies and science.
What lesson do you currently use that could be converted to outdoor learning? I encourage you to embrace the world as your classroom and watch your students thrive in ways you never imagined.
This is the seventh in a series of guest blogs by the 2024-25 Michigan Regional Teachers of the Year. Melissa Frost is a science teacher at Buchanan High School in Buchanan Community Schools.
