Investigating the Impact of the Outdoor Campus Experience on Elementary Preservice Teachers

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Abstract

This study aims to enhance elementary preservice teachers’ knowledge of the role of the Outdoor Campus and utilizing the Outdoor Campus resources in their future classrooms. Qualitative analysis was conducted on preservice teachers’ beliefs before and after attending professional learning workshops led by the informal educators of the Outdoor Campus. The findings indicated that preservice teachers in this study broadened their views of the Outdoor Campus’s role beyond being solely a destination for field trips. Instead, they recognized it as a valuable facility capable of supporting their teaching efforts through the provision of classroom materials/resources or by enhancing their learning as educators in terms of content and pedagogy.

Author

• Li Sun, Augustana University