ERIC Number: EJ1254808
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0263-5143
EISSN: N/A
Learning Outdoors or with a Computer: The Contribution of the Learning Setting to Learning and to Environmental Perceptions
Aflalo, Ester; Montin, Revital; Raviv, Ayala
Research in Science & Technological Education, v38 n2 p208-226 2020
Background: Outdoor learning and computer-based learning are two different alternatives to in-class conventional teacher-centered learning. Purpose: This study compares the outdoor learning setting with computer-based learning in class. It examines the influence of the two different learning settings on academic achievements, the learning experience, and pro-environmental perceptions. Sample: A total of 90 elementary school students (third and fourth-grade classes) participated in the study. Design and methods: The academic knowledge of the study participants was tested through identical exams for both learning settings. In addition, in each group the students' perceptions were examined by means of a questionnaire about environmental values and the learning experience. Results: The study demonstrates that academic achievements in the two settings were similar, but the students expressed more enthusiasm about the outdoor learning experience than about in-class learning. In addition, the outdoor learning setting contributed more to promoting positive environmental perceptions even though students did not learn directly about environmental issues and sustainability. Conclusions: These findings suggest that learning in the natural environment is valuable--Alongside the fostering of computerized learning, it is also important to promote outdoor learning settings and integrate both settings by implementing mobile technologies in the outdoor teaching.
Descriptors: Outdoor Education, Educational Technology, Elementary School Students, Grade 3, Grade 4, Student Attitudes, Academic Achievement, Conventional Instruction, Environmental Education, Sustainability, Experiential Learning, Computer Uses in Education, Foreign Countries, Science Education, Ecology
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 3; Primary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Israel
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A