Exploring Outdoor Education as an Effective Means Of Experiential Learning In Secondary Schools in Nigeria

Abstract

Outdoor education acknowledges the necessity of selecting a well deserved place for learning to take place. In this place, students learn directly within their immediate environment and gain knowledge about the physical reality of that environment. Through these means, students learn about the key importance of relationships and respect for the learning and teaching processes. The process begins with personal experience and leads to deep questioning which brings about new ideas and knowledge. This paper therefore discourses the essence of outdoor education for students in secondary school, curriculum in the outdoor classroom setting. It also explains the symbiotic relationship between the outdoor education and constructivist strategy. Some models of experiential learning for outdoor education are also highlighted. Conclusion and recommendations are discussed at the end of the paper.

Keywords: Outdoor Education, Experiential Learning, Exploring, Second Cycle Institution, Effective.