Sydney Elementary Students Show Improved Math Performance After Outdoor Learning Program
A research study found that elementary school students in Sydney, Australia who participated in a 10-week outdoor learning program in a park for 2 hours per week showed improved math performance and increased learning engagement.
Program Structure
25 first-grade students from Middle Harbour Public School in Sydney's Lower North Shore participated in Greater Sydney Parklands' Bush School program in 2024. Students engaged in outdoor activities with an education ranger at Centennial Parklands for 2 hours per week over 10 weeks.
The program included activities such as building shelters with sticks, painting with ochre, and writing poetry about trees. PhD researchers from Western Sydney University's education department tracked the class under the leadership of Alexandra Harper.
Research Findings
According to a recently published research paper, some participating students showed significant improvement in mathematics. Research supervisor Tonia Gray explained that "rather than taking time away, it adds to the learning environment and acts as a catalyst for growth."
Teachers reported that Bush School students participated more actively in regular classes. The school stated that despite taking time from class hours, there was no negative impact on regular curriculum learning.
Long-term Effects
Participating students, now in third grade, still reference what they learned in outdoor activities and recreate games learned during the program to share with peers on the playground. Participating student Nate said he "became much more confident in things like balancing."
Parents also observed changes. Parent Andrew said his son Archie "expanded not only his environmental knowledge but also his writing and drawing skills" and "came to enjoy school much more." Another parent said "all schools in New South Wales should make this an essential element of every child's experience."
Professor Gray emphasized that "Indigenous cultures have been doing this for centuries, and children learn better on the land than inside boxes," and stressed that teacher training institutions need to strengthen educators' capabilities to confidently conduct outdoor classes.
Source: ABC News
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