There is a commonly used phrase uttered across school halls around the world, following the lines of, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’. This sentiment is true; students require support from many people throughout their lives. The role of community (be it local, school, parish etc.) is vital to the development of young people (Woolfolk 2013). Success is genuinely derived from a partnership of school, student and community.” (What Works Program).
Students require opportunities to immerse themselves in community throughout their education, this must reach beyond the classroom environment. “Memories of school Educational trips are among the most prominent of the formative years, largely because they are a welcome break in the routine for both students and teachers. While their purpose is essentially to educate, they can also be a fun bonding experience for everyone involved.” (educationaltourisim 2011). Community experiences may also provide students with a sense of belonging to community which is vital for student’s social and emotional wellbeing (Woolfolk 2013).
It is the role of schools to embrace the opportunity to extend students learning beyond classroom walls, to learn outside, to learn online, with a variety of informed and passionate individuals; these experiences allow students to become curious, inspired and motivated learners (Merrewether 2015). Sir Ken Robinson said it best, “If you sit kids down, hour after hour, doing low grade clerical work, don’t be surprised if they start to fidget.” (Robinson 2013). Let’s get our students out into the world, experiencing new things and breathing fresh air!
References:
Australian Government, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. (2010). In What Works Program. (chap. The Workbook, Improving outcomes for Indigenous students)
Merewether, J. (2015). Young children’s perspectives of outdoor learning spaces
Robinson, K. (2013). How to escape education’s death valley. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_how_to_escape_education_s_death_valley
Woolfolk, A., & Margetts, K. (2013). Educational Psychology (3rd ed.). Frenchs Forest, Australia: Pearson.
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