Outdoor learning it is a research‑supported teaching strategy that helps faculty improve student engagement, deepen learning, and support student success. Across disciplines, brief, intentional outdoor experiences have been shown to enhance attention, retention, motivation, and belonging, while strengthening students’ ability to connect theory to real‑world contexts.

Improves Student Engagement (Without Adding Content)

Students are more attentive and motivated outside the classroom

Faculty consistently report higher levels of student focus and participation during outdoor learning activities. Research shows that outdoor environments:

• Increase student motivation and engagement (Boyle et al., 2007)
• Reduce mental fatigue and improve attention and focus (Frontiers in Psychology, 2022)
• Encourage curiosity and interest‑driven inquiry rather than passive learning

Why this matters for faculty:
More engaged students ask better questions, participate more meaningfully, and come to class prepared to think.

Strengthens Learning and Retention

Students remember what they learn outdoors

Outdoor learning creates distinctive, memorable learning experiences that help students retain and build on content throughout the semester.

• Students demonstrate better retention and application of course material
• Learning engages multiple senses, supporting deeper understanding
• “Moments of discovery” become reference points for future learning (Boxerman, 2013)

Observed outcomes:
Faculty note that students more readily recall and apply concepts introduced outdoors later in the course.

Makes Abstract Concepts Concrete

Outdoor learning helps students connect theory to lived experience

Taking learning outdoors allows students to test ideas in real contexts:

• Students report stronger connections between theory and real‑world application (Boyle et al., 2007)
• Place‑based experiences help students see relevance across disciplines
• Learning becomes contextual, situated, and meaningful

Why this matters for faculty:
Students ask more sophisticated questions when content feels relevant and real.

Supports Student Wellbeing—Which Supports Learning

Wellbeing and academic performance are deeply connected

Research shows that time in nature:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves mood, cognitive functioning, and capacity for learning
• Supports persistence and academic success, particularly for first‑year students (Johnson et al., 2020)

Faculty benefit:
Calmer, more regulated students are better learners—and better classroom partners.

Builds Skills Faculty Care About

Teamwork, leadership, and communication emerge naturally

Outdoor learning encourages:

• Cooperative problem‑solving and teamwork
• Leadership development
• Stronger interpersonal relationships among students (Hattie et al., 1997; Harun & Salamuddin, 2014)

These are skills employers expect—and faculty are asked to teach.

Supports Inclusive and Belonging‑Centered Teaching

Outdoor learning helps more students feel they belong

Evidence shows outdoor learning:

• Builds student confidence and sense of belonging (Boyle et al., 2007; Johnson et al., 2020)
• Especially benefits students navigating transitions into college
• Supports first‑year persistence and student success outcomes

Why this matters:
Belonging is a measurable driver of retention, success, and equity.

Works Across Disciplines—and at Any Scale

You don’t have to redesign your course

Outdoor learning can be:

• A single class session
• A short field observation
• A discussion, reflection, or hands‑on activity outside your building

Faculty across STEM, social sciences, arts, business, and health disciplines successfully integrate outdoor learning without sacrificing content or rigor.

Call to Action: Try It Once

Start small. See the difference.

• Identify one concept students struggle with
• Take it outside for 20–50 minutes
• Observe changes in engagement, discussion, and retention

👉 Explore campus spaces for outdoor teaching
👉 See examples from faculty across disciplines
👉 Get support to plan your first outdoor lesson