S4E03 - The importance of outdoor learning with Dr Helen Bilton

In this episode we meet with Dr Helen Bilton, Author and Professor of Outdoor Learning and Play, to talk about recapturing the lost value of play and independent problem-solving, as well as how different early years settings can support outdoor learning. We also touch on the courses Helen has written for FutureLearn on Supporting Successful Learning in Primary Schools and in Secondary Schools, which explore how we can teach children to navigate risk and how we can reflect upon our own attitudes and perceptions of the outdoors.

(Can you spot our 'special guest' in the video? - hint *cluck*)

 

Want to hear more from Helen?

Website: https://www.drhelenbilton.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drhelenbilton

 

FutureLearn Courses:

https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/supporting-learning-primary  https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/supporting-learning-secondary 

 

Want to skip ahead?

PART 1:

(0:00-03:15) Introduction to Helen: how her love of outdoor play developed and her book writing journey

(03:15-05:35) What makes ‘outdoor play’ magical and the ‘can-do’ environment

(05:35-09:38) The battle of evidencing outdoor play’s benefits and bias associated with it

(09:38-11:15) How the modern world doesn’t prepare us for the outdoors and our fear of losing comfort

(11:15-12:48) How settings can navigate children’s preparedness for the outdoors

(12:48-17:35) Families’ anxiety of children being ‘on show’, the need to re-think education and language associated with the outdoors

(17:35-20:54) How technology has affected outdoor education & the importance of being ‘present’ outdoors

[CACHE Alumni ad break]

PART 2:

(21:14-26:40) How settings without access to an outdoor space can support outdoor learning

(26:40-32:50) FutureLearn courses on ‘supporting successful learning in primary and secondary schools’ - reflecting on our own attitudes & teaching children to navigate ‘risk’

(32:50-36:45) Challenging own viewpoints and recognising cultural differences in perceptions of ‘outdoor learning’

PART 3:

(36:45-47:00) The lost value of outdoor play and problem-solving, and modern conveniences

(47:00-52:00) Wellbeing and resilience

(52:00-57:08) Tips on how to easily create an outdoor space and final notes

 

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