Exploring the Wonders of Outdoor Learning - Dissertation Example

There are many existing views on the concept of learning and development. The Start Right report defines learning as “the development of children’s capacity and motivation to acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes, to make sense of their world and to operate effectively within it” (Ball, 1994, p.103). The role of adults is to efficiently support these young learners towards positive learning dispositions to help them in becoming ‘mastery learners’. Katz (1993) clarifies disposition as “a tendency to exhibit frequently, consciously, and voluntarily a pattern of behavior that is directed towards a broad goal’.

From these definitions, it is clear that the point of view of the child is considered, with adults playing as support instead of a domineering dictator of what they think children should learn.More important than what children learn is how they learn it. Children must be encouraged to enjoy what they do while learning and that practitioners make it possible by making learning tasks interesting, worthwhile, and relevant for the children. Edgington (1999) posits that children learn best in an environment that makes them feel secure and confident enough to develop their own ideas with open-ended experiences.

They actively engage in learning by partaking in fun, play-based hands-on experiences while adults around them challenge and extend their thinking. Physically, the learning environment gives enough children space to move and be themselves. Children are in their best disposition when they are at play. It is one thing that comes so naturally to them and is a time when they can freely be themselves. Children can play alone or with peers; with toys or without; indoors or outdoors. It is such a flexible activity that they can do it anywhere, anytime.

Adults should keep in mind that children are curious, explorative, and active and may get into accidents while they play. Safety should be the priority when play activities are planned out.