Job : July 29, 2022
Teachers as students: APS Outdoor Learning Team Pilots Summer Institute
The professional learning opportunity for middle school teachers was made possible by a grant from the McCune Charitable Foundation to the APS Education Foundation
Friday, July 19e, the APS Outdoor Learning Team has created a small professional learning opportunity to explore the expansion of outdoor learning to middle school students. Middle school students do not have the same opportunities to learn outside the classroom as their younger and older peers. Research has shown the benefits of outdoor education for academic achievement as well as social and emotional growth.
Housed at Wilson Middle School, teachers were tasked with developing a clear strategy for taking their students outdoors. Part of the day was to work on activities as students and provide feedback.
Outdoor learning is not just about science. Schools are charged with taking an interdisciplinary approach to using the outdoors to see students succeed in all academic areas. As interest continues to grow, the Outdoor Learning Team will support and guide educators in everything from starting and expanding outdoor learning spaces to field trips, by to developing lessons with community partners and more.
