NDSU Distance & Continuing Education (DCE)

Course Description:

This course will explore the concepts of the outdoor classroom through strategies specifically designed to enrich the outdoor learning experience for each student. Through educational theory and proven practices teachers will learn ways to encourage exploration and to teach their students to connect with nature and their communities. Teachers will learn practical and powerful ways to tap into their students. natural and inborn curiosity about their world.

Objectives:

As a result of this participation in this course, students should:

1.  Understand the background of outdoor learning

2.  Understand the educational theories that support the concepts of outdoor learning

3.  Understand the important steps required to create an effective outdoor classroom

4.  Learn ways to engage the support of administrators and parents

5.  Design a series of activities using proven strategies for outdoor learning including process skills, activities that promote initiative, and connect students to the community

Texts/Readings:

Text(s): 
Broda, H.W. (2007), Schoolyard-Enhanced Learning: Using the Outdoors as an Instructional Tool, K-8.  Portland, ME: Stenhouse Publishers.

Articles:  (referenced in the study guide and posted on our website)
Lehrer, J. (Jan. 2009), The Boston Globe: How the city hurts your brain, And what you can do about it.

Louv, R. (Jan. 2010), Educational Leadership: Do Our Kids Have Nature-Deficit Disorder, pages 24-30.

Meyer, M. (Sept. 1997), Educational Leadership: The GREENing of Learning: Using the Eighth Multiple Intelligence, pages 32-34.

Tanner, K.C. (April 2001), Educational Leadership: Into the Woods, Wetlands, and Prairies, pages 64-66.

Weilbacher, M. (May 2009), Educational Leadership: The Window into Green, pages 38-44.