Making a difference to countless young lives
When the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) talks rewilding the world listens to a global authority steered by research from a renowned Cumbrian expert.
Her paper in the international Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning has been downloaded more than any other since its publication in 2019.
The work has been honoured in top Celebrating Outdoor Learning Awards and has an extensive impact. As well as influencing policy makers, it has particular benefit to people established in the field and wanting to refresh, along with those looking to challenge conventional approaches, students and anyone just starting out in research.
“Most of our work has focused on school pupils, but we have also looked at how sail training can help young people, and residential programmes for postgraduate students,” said Prof Prince.
“Many of these students are now leaders and practitioners working in the outdoors across the world. The reported effect of our research on practice has been substantial.”
Prof Loynes explained how progressive outdoor opportunities had a transformational impact on pupils and youth groups.
He added: “We have seen how residential experiences had a positive effect on the progress of those taking part. Crucially important was the outcome for vulnerable students who, for personal and family reasons, are likely to under achieve.
“Teachers told us how their students gained confidence while they were away from home, and how relationships were enhanced with both peers and staff.
“They found new ways of being friendly to each other, experienced a sense of achievement, motivation and learned to be part of a community with growing respect for each other, helping with tasks and being proactive.”
Only around 20 percent of students a year are offered residential opportunities and on average children get just one chance of a learning away adventure. In some urban areas, where income and prospects are low, they may get nothing.
The research showed an increase of nine percent in schools offering residential experiences by 2017, reflecting greater recognition of benefits and shifting policies.
The Glover Landscapes Review also stated that ‘every child should have a night under the stars’.
Although residentials were put on hold during the pandemic, providers said as they started to reopen there was renewed interest.
Prof Prince added: “Although it will take some time to restore confidence, we think during Covid teachers have really seen the potential of teaching and learning outdoors and we hope this remains.
“Our work continues with the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom and the Institute for Outdoor Learning. The university leads on the research-practice hubs project across the UK. Researchers and practitioners come together to make sure the right questions are being asked and answered. We encourage practitioners to become researchers themselves.”
For Professors Prince and Loynes the ultimate goal would be to see each and every pupil given the chance to learn away from home during their school years with the paybacks continuing for the rest of their lives.