Utomhus på fritidshemmet

: fritidslärares uppfattningar av utemiljön som pedagogisk arena

Abstract

Research shows that the outdoor environment has a positive impact on students learning and can be a supporting link between theory and practice. Being outdoors and visiting different outdoor environments, both human physical and mental well- being are positively affected, which supports learning. According to the curriculum, the after school program should supplement the school by offering students teaching in different outdoor environments and through experience-based learning situations.

The aim of this study is to examine after school teachers experiences and perspective of the educational opportunities of the outdoor environment. The study is based on two questions: What opportunities can after school teachers see in different outdoor environments as educational arenas? How do afterschool teachers state that outdoor environment are used in after school programs?

The study is based on the theory of affordance.

In our study, qualitative methodology was used in the form of six semi-structured interviews with after school teachers. Based on a qualitative method of analysis, this resulted in four main themes: The outdoor environment – an important learning environment, The forest as a place of discovery, Water – an important element and The schoolyard – a planned and spontaneous arena. The result shows that the after school teachers see the outdoor environment as an obvious and important learning environment in the education at the after school program. The after school teachers highlight educational opportunities in the school yard, the forest and places where there is access to water. Conclusions that can be drawn from the study are that different outdoor environments are used to develop students cognitive, social and physical abilities. Furthermore, the outdoor environment can be used to allow students to experience a more practical and exploratory way of working, which can strengthen the student’s theoretical knowledge.