"If only": Outdoor and adventurous activities and generalised academic development

This paper reports on research conducted as part of a project, the aim of which was to utilise outdoor and adventurous experiences to help schools address their 'if only' factor - that aspect of learning perceived to be key to raising standards, whether it be the acquisition of knowledge,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of adventure education and outdoor learning Vol. 5; no. 1; pp. 9 - 19
Main Authors Dismore, Harriet, Bailey, Richard
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Taylor & Francis Group 01.01.2005
Routledge
Subjects
Academic Development
Adventure Education
At Risk Students
Confidence
Educational Experience
Elementary School Students
Focus Groups
Foreign Countries
National Curriculum
Outdoor Education
Physical Education
Primary School
Program Descriptions
Program Effectiveness
Social Development
Student Development
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
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Summary:This paper reports on research conducted as part of a project, the aim of which was to utilise outdoor and adventurous experiences to help schools address their 'if only' factor - that aspect of learning perceived to be key to raising standards, whether it be the acquisition of knowledge, skills or a change in attitudes to learning. The project involved nine schools and 671 children, all engaged in the "I Can!" project and the follow-up activities that took place at schools. The research was carried out with children, teachers and parents and consisted of a series of focus groups and analysis of children's work. Limitations inherent within the research opportunity prevent the confident attribution of causation. However, the study's findings do offer insight into an under-researched, yet potentially valuable educational experience. The findings suggest that outdoor and adventurous activities can impact upon children's learning in school by addressing their intellectual, affective and social development.
ISSN:1472-9679
1754-0402
DOI:10.1080/14729670585200561