The joint project for the conceptualization and evaluation of Education Outside the Classroom (EOtC) aims to create better conditions for the wider implementation of EOtC in Germany. EOtC refers to regular, curriculum-relevant teaching that takes place outside the school building. Studies on EOtC in Germany indicate that regular EOtC — especially in natural environments — can increase physical activity, learning motivation and social skills, while also improving the mental health and social cohesion of children and adolescents. As part of our subproject, we investigate how EOtC affects nature connectedness and species knowledge among children, adolescents and teachers and what role the ecological quality of the (natural) out-of-school learning environment plays.

Joint Project - EOtC

The joint project is funded with a total of over € 1 million by the Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft over a three-year period until September 2027. It consists of four subprojects, each with a specific focus and led by a project partner:

• Subproject 1: The significance of physical and mental health mechanisms in teaching in natural environments (Technische Universität München, Professur für Sport- und Gesundheitsdidaktik)
• Subproject 2: Evaluation of EOtC in urban and rural natural spaces regarding biodiversity, nature experience and ESD (Technische Universität München, Professur für Urbane Produktive Ökosysteme)
• Subproject 3: A learning space analysis in the context of teaching, learning and social interaction (Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Lehrstuhl für Pädagogik bei Lernbeeinträchtigungen)
• Subproject 4: Development/testing of a curricular framework concept for outdoor learning focused on competency building and global thinking in line with ESD (Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald, Landesverband Bayern e.V.)

Our Subproject - Biodiversity, Nature experience and ESD

Given the global loss of biodiversity, it is essential to strengthen nature connectedness and species knowledge among children and adolescents in order to foster long-term engagement in nature conservation. Direct experiences in nature promote emotional bonds and environmental awareness. The loss of such experiences not only reduces positive emotions and health-related benefits but can also contribute to a cycle of alienation from nature. Our subproject explores how Education Outside the Classroom can support nature connectedness and species knowledge. It also examines how the structural and species diversity of the learning spaces used influence these outcomes. These findings can provide guidance for the future development of outdoor learning environments.

Funding

The project is coordinated by the Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V. and funded by the Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft.
Funding code: 2224NR077A

Duration

01.10.2024 – 30.09.2027

Team and contact

Leonie Schulz (Research Associate, TUM-UPE): leonie.schulz(at)tum.de

Theresia Endriß (Research Associate, TUM-UPE): theresia.endriss(at)tum.de 

Monika Egerer (Pl, TUM-UPE): monika.egerer(at)tum.de