Teaching and Learning Outside the Classroom

1. Teaching and Learning Outside the Classroom Karen Phethean Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

2. What? Learning outside the classroom is “the use of places other than the classroom for teaching and learning.“ (DfES (2006) Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto. Nottingham: DfES) http://www.lotc.org.uk/getdoc/f8891c8f-eec5-454c-b3d3-92f1aa36ae25/Manifesto Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

3. Why? Why do you think there is strong support from educationalists and the government for Learning Outside the Classroom? Discuss. Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

4. Why? There is strong support for the view that learning outside the classroom is vital for all children, adding value to their classroom experiences; that are well planned and taught, such the learning enhances children’s knowledge, understanding and skills across subjects; that it fosters children’s motivation, self-confidence and interpersonal learning. [House of Commons Education and Skills Committee 2005] Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

5. What? What do you think are the benefits of supporting LOtC? Discuss. Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

6. The Benefits Provides a context for learning – general and subject based knowledge; thinking and problem-solving skills; life skills such as co-operation and interpersonal communication. Off-site fieldtrips are often seen as memorable to children, even into adulthood Children may seem well motivated when working outside the classroom Activities enhance their knowledge and understanding of the topics studied A positive understanding of the environment develops It may enhance children’s positive attitude to the site visited. Social and inter-personal skills can develop, particularly when children engage in collaborative tasks Children’ cognitive development will be enhanced- can lead to deeper understanding of the concepts that span traditional subject boundaries and which are often difficult to teach in the classroom. Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

7. Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

8. The educational benefits Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

9. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7889145.stm http://www.lotcqualitybadge.org.uk/home http://www.lotc.org.uk/ Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

10. Activity In groups of 4 -6 find an area of the campus and mind map suggestions for activities to cover different subject areas. Be prepared to be back after 20 minutes and to feedback your ideas and rationale to the whole group. Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

11. Extension Activity Consider a risk assessment for the activities you are suggesting – annotate your mind map. Consider issues for working out of the classroom. Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

12. Aims and Values Providing experiential and active learning in the environment Motivating children through stimulating and enjoyable experiences Initiating and extending enquiry skills through enjoyable experiences Developing observational, recording and analytic skills in situ Developing knowledge and understanding in a real world context Encouraging and enabling children to work co-operatively Fostering a feel for environment, through examining values and attitudes Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

13. Where? Natural environment Human settlements Community activities Nature/human society interactions Environmental/development issues Oneself Others New skills Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

14. Possible Sites School Grounds Rural/Suburban/urban areas around the school Rural/Suburban/urban areas in a contrasting locality Wilderness areas Rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, canals, seaside Rural or city farms, botanic gardens Parks and gardens Heritage sites, castles, country houses, factories Museums, science centres, zoos, National Parks Field study centres, nature study centres Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

15. School Grounds to support learning Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

16. Supporting the curriculum in many ways… Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

17. Possible Additional Benefits Greater understanding of enquiry/investigation techniques/approaches Greater information about the local environment Increased use and knowledge of geographical/historical/scientific processes Fostering attitudes to a future environment Developing or improving skills Reinforcing positive behaviours Personal development Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

18. Feedback Ideas Risks Issues Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

19. Challenge 1 - Time Requires much pre-planning and forethought May necessitate a timetable change May impact other adults May impact the whole school Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

20. Challenge 2 - Resources Cost – probably parental Adult support Informing other adults Booking in advance A coach? Sick bucket/bags etc Oversee the children at all times Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

21. Challenge 3 – Health and Safety Must follow local authority and school’s policy on health and safety at all times Constantly count, and monitor children and accompanying adults Responsibility! Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

22. Challenge 4 – Personal Confidence in Taking Children Out Much responsibility is on your shoulders Managing behaviour is a key area You must know the place beforehand to assess planning and learning opportunities as well as safety concerns Train HCC offer a qualifying course on supervision of children in the outdoors to all its staff [a 1 day course] Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

23. Challenge 5 – Risk Assessment Should be a part of a teacher’s existence If it is a risk ‘DON’T DO IT!!! Make professional judgements about the risk, take responsibility for the possible hazard and make an informed decision where the safety of the children is central Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

24. Challenge 6 – Regulations and Requirements Forms are numerous May need permission of local authority, governors or headteacher How many children per adult on a bus? Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

25. Deciding Where To Go How will working outdoors or off-site meet the learning objective? Where does it fit into the sequence of activities planned for the study topic How does it contribute to the focus of study at that time? What relevant child experience does it draw upon or develop? Does it provide new experiences? Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

26. The Reconnaissance Visit Is it suitable? Are there adequate facilities for children? Is it practical? Is it safe? – The site itself and getting there! How will we organise the learning, activities, timings, toilets, lunch etc. Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

27. The possibilities are endless… Site Investigation observation, measurement, recording Enquiry based research children plan investigation, recording and follow up Problem-solving tackling a problem e.g. mapping an area or identifying the best place for a new hospital Re-enactment role play or dramatic recreations of people’s lives, costume Guided walks around a site, museum, trail etc, often with a worksheet Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

28. Follow Up Activities How do I use the enthusiasm generated by the work outside the classroom? How will the children work on the information they have gathered? What types of outcome do I want to see? What resources and support do they need to complete their work? Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

29. In Conclusion What do you want them to learn? How can and will you organise the lesson? Have you borne in mind safety aspects? Have you the adult support that you need Have you planned for the time available Catling S 2006 Planning for Learning Outside the Classroom in Arthur J, Grainger T & Wray D Learning to Teach in the Primary School Abingdon: Routledge Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

30. Useful resource Worth the trip – Sculpture Valley http://www.teachersmedia.co.uk/videos/sculpture-valley Professional Practice 1 Sem 2 2012 KP

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