Outdoor education´s role in promoting motivation and engagement : a literature review with a focus on students in the early years

The purpose of this literature review is to examine how outdoor education can promote motivation and engagement among students in the early years of primary school with a particular focus on science subjects. Previous Swedish research indicates a declining interest in science as students grow older. Students perceive the subjects as abstract and difficult to relate to everyday life. Outdoor education is therefore explored in this review as a potential approach to increase students' interest, motivation and engagement, while also increasing awareness of the approach The review is based on a systematic literature search. Three searches were conducted in two academic databases supplemented by additional searches in the citations and references lists of selected studies. The material consists of peer reviewed articles and reports published primarily within the last 15 years, focusing on outdoor education, motivation, engagement and students in the early years of primary school. The results show that outdoor education has a positive impact on all students' motivation and engagement. Key contributing factors include concrete and sensory experiences, student-centered learning, social collaboration and the teacher’s role. The review concludes that outdoor education can serve as a valuable complement to traditional classroom teaching and contribute to increased participation, interest and learning among students with different needs.