4.3 Outdoor experiences – reflection
Thematic analysis
The pupils that participated in this action research project had access in outdoor learning activities as a part of our school’s active learning stations, which took place twice a week. The outdoor activities took part in the courtyard area that the establishment offers. The pupils were asked to reflect upon two of these experiences and to share their ideas with their families. Seventeen (out of 25 students) have reflected upon their experiences.
The local outdoor spaces selected for this action research project are three in number. The pupils can have quick access to these outdoor spaces without any travel costs. After visiting two of the local outdoor spaces selected for this project, the pupils have been asked to reflect upon their experience and to share their experience with the rest of their parents/ carers. The answers gathered have been 17 out of the 25 students.
The analysis of the pupils’ answers has shown that there are four themes deriving from their experiences. It is important to mention that the pupils have expressed positive experiences about being outdoors. Eighteen students out of the twenty-five pupils have reflected upon their experience and discussed about it with an adult.
The themes identified in the students’ reflection on the outdoor experiences are the following:
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