Teachers’ perspectives towards outdoor learning with local year 3 students

Abstract

This research study aims to evaluate the perspectives of Year 3 teachers in Maltese primary schools on the use of outdoor learning. The study investigates the effects of this practice on students and the challenges teachers face when implementing it. Furthermore, the study examines whether Year 3 educators make use of their schools’ outdoor spaces. Hence, this study investigates the knowledge, perspectives, and behaviour of Year 3 educators towards outdoor learning practice. A mixed-method approach was used, with both quantitative and qualitative data collection tools. The researcher collected 127 questionnaires for quantitative data analysis using SPSS statistical tests. Based on the results, interview questions were formulated to interview six participants, two from each school sector. Thematic analysis was used on the interview transcripts to identify themes. Triangulation of the findings allowed the researcher to present more thorough results. Findings showed that the majority of Year 3 teachers show positive attitudes and have good knowledge of outdoor learning and are aware of the benefits that this practice brings to the students. However, various challenges limit this practice. The author responded to these findings by offering a number of suggestions that may be implemented in order to improve the implementation of outdoor education in the Maltese primary school setting.