Twenty-five years of outdoor education through the lens of four case studies - are we there yet?

Loynes, Christopher ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9779-7954 , Ho, Susanna ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0419-4482 , Loeffler, T. A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2245-3935 and Gray, Tonia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5358-1748 (2025) Twenty-five years of outdoor education through the lens of four case studies - are we there yet? Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning . Item availability may be restricted.

PDF - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (393kB) | Contact the author

Abstract

This retrospective article examines the development of outdoor education practice over the past 25 years through four case studies. Drawing on social, economic, cultural, and historical influences, each case study illuminates how outdoor education practices evolved and changed in response to local educational, geographical, and governmental landscapes. Analysis of the four case studies revealed a growing awareness in the field of its cultural and historical legacies along with ongoing transformation, within and beyond them. We see a rapidly growing focus in outdoor education on health and wellbeing that recognizes the flourishing of both people and the planet. Through the development of more equitable and inclusive practices, outdoor education will better serve the needs of learners in a world beset by climatic, political, and health challenges. Finally, we extend an invitation to outdoor educators worldwide to reconsider a more holistic, equitable and inclusive approach to outdoor learning.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning
Publisher:	Taylor and Francis Group
ISSN:	1754-0402
Departments:	Institute of Science and Environment > Outdoor Studies Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas (CNPPA)
Depositing User:	Christopher Loynes
Date Deposited:	08 Sep 2025 10:23
Last Modified:	09 Sep 2025 08:00
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/9014