HPE Scoop
Dr. Johnson Explores Outdoor Education on Sabbatical
During the Winter 2023 semester Dr. Johnson was engaged in her Sabbatical project of exploring Nature Literacy and Outdoor Education. In an ongoing effort to engage and learn from her international colleagues, she spent 2 months living in Spain and Malta. She spent time at the Scandinavian School of Madrid where she watched students participate in a variety of outdoor exploratory activities. She was able to see preschool students engage in risk taking activities and explore nature in authentic developmentally appropriate activities. Not only do the students engage in these activities during physical education but throughout the school day. Dr. Johnson was fortunate to have lunch at school, that was prepared from local fresh ingredients, and to watch as students engaged with kitchen staff to help prepare and clean up the cafeteria. All meals are well balanced and focus on providing essential nutrition to all students.
While in Malta she spent time at Kamaja Outdoor- an outdoor education school. This school provides a variety of opportunities for children in Malta to learn how to engage with the natural world as well as develop critical skills. Students of all ages participate in the programming and older students take on leadership roles by helping the younger students. The children participate in fitness and exercises, wall climbing, obstacle course challenges, risk taking activities and fire/shelter building. It was an amazing experience that Dr. Jonnson was able to see the high level of engagement from students when they are challenged and able to engage with nature. These experiences provided her with important information that is embedded into HPE 260: Teaching Outdoor Pursuits as she continues to expose HPE majors to more global contexts.
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