Outdoor education as a bridge between formal and nonformal learning

ENThis chapter presents a scientific discussion pertaining to the practical implementation of outdoor education in both formal and nonformal education contexts. In attempting to understand how a formal education curriculum could be transformed to respond to the needs of contemporary learners and adopt the best characteristics of nonformal education, the theoretical section is devoted to the analysis of several types of curriculum and key characteristics of nonformal education. This theoretical analysis assists in delineating the links between the two forms of education as well as discovering areas where outdoor education may act as an interface between formal and nonformal education. The chapter further develops discussion based on the results of semistructured interviews conducted with teachers from gymnasiums (higher secondary schools) in Lithuania. The research was implemented in autumn 2020 and involved 11 teachers. The results of the study revealed recurring themes (areas) related to practical organization of outdoor education which is viewed by the research participants as having the characteristics of both formal and nonformal education. The main challenges in developing outdoor education are related to teachers’ readiness to implement outdoor education, curricula design practices, traditions and formal requirements (time restrictions, safety regulations); collaborative partnerships; scientific evidence regarding benefits and impacts of outdoor education practices; full employment of active and engaging pedagogies; financial restrictions. Keywords: Outdoor education, formal, nonformal education, curriculum. [From the publication]

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