Episode 19: Giving outdoor learners the “experiential edge”

How does outdoor education differ from outdoor learning? What is the “experiential edge” for both young people and adults? Why does outdoor learning often diminish or stop with older learners? Here's what else we dove into in this Earthy Chat:

*embedding outdoor learning into the everyday structures of schools

*the distinction between outdoor learning and Land-based learning

*unpacking New Brunswick’s six global competencies and how outdoor learning helps students achieve them

*supporting students with learning differences through outdoor learning

*overcoming barriers to outdoor learning, especially for new educators

*the lack of conflicting research findings about outdoor learning

*conducting outdoor learning with limited resources (and why this is sometimes better)

Guests:

Nadine Ives has lived in New Brunswick for 28 years. She works for the Conservation Council of New Brunswick as Director of the Learning Outside Project. Nadine enjoyed childhood summers in the Colorado Rockies, tagging along with scientists and students doing field research and attending evening lectures. She followed her interest in biology through school and university, leading to a PhD in hardwood tree ecology. She has been involved in nature education in various forms for over 25 years (from school visits and nature walks, to community engagement, to university teaching). Nadine heads outside to feel grounded, refreshed, and re-energized, and to see what her non-human neighbours are up to.

Tzomi Jazwicki was raised in the Rocky Mountains, moving progressively east in stages before making a home in the Maritimes in 2011. With a diverse background in organic farming, interactive classroom activation, and a love of ecology, Tzomi coordinates the Sustainability Education Alliance as part of the New Brunswick Environmental Network, creating incredible initiatives and events that encourage educating for sustainability. Tzomi graduated from Acadia  University with a BA (Hon.) in Sustainability Studies and a double major in History in 2016, and when not in the office, can most likely be found in the garden or the woods — in any weather or season.

Find the featured article Giving our Students the Experiential Edge here.

Learn more about Great Minds Think Outside here.

A Walking Curriculum and A Walking Curriculum for the Early Years are available at the Non-profit Outdoor Learning Store.

*Episode edited by M. Angel Goñi Avila