This is a message from the Greening Schools Research Network discussion
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Hi Mary,
Below, please find a couple of DRAFT paragraphs that Alan Reid (Bath, UK) and I have written for a document. In the paragraphs, we have tried to capture the range of definitions associated with the outdoor classroom. This might help?
"By now it will be clear that a number of terms are used to describe thes changes in school grounds, including …greening, gardening, naturalization, enhancement, restoration, and outdoor classroom.
Although there are important differences in meaning, and each is somewhat contested in educational, academic and policy circles (see, for example Houghton, 2003), for the purposes of this document, the terms “greening school grounds” and “green school grounds” will be used. The former term is a verb, and as such it refers to the process of greening. Typically, it refers to collaborative efforts to improve school grounds by (re)introducing natural, ecological and/or environmental aspects to these spaces. The latter is a noun, and as such it refers to the actual transformed space. While it is not the most elegant of phrases, we use ‘green(ing) school grounds’ to indicate the close relationship between thr process and product.
Our focus then is on the transformation of school grounds in pursuit of both educational and environmental benefits. In recent years, teachers, administrators, policy makers, researchers and school communities have increasingly recognised that the design, culture and ecosystems of school grounds may be a productive site for improving the quality of a child’s experience and learning. While some have focused on health promotion or community involvement, others have pursued school ground ‘greening’, whereby students, parents, teachers, neighbourhood residents, and school and city officials work to enhance the school’s physical environment. This includes, (re)establishing some of the natural habitats that existed prior to the widespread introduction and use of asphalt and cultivated grass.
These initiatives vary in approach and uptake, but typically involve transforming more or less homogeneous environments of asphalt and grass into places designed to include a variety of natural elements, such as sheltered areas, trees and shrubs, floral gardens, water features, and vegetable patches. Some are thoughtful, innovative, even beautiful, with imaginative use and arrangement of nature-based features like wildlife gardens, art perhaps, and usually gathering areas to complement or enhance the social and ecological value of the space."
----- Original Message -----
From: Research MAILBOX <Research@ltl.org.uk>
Date: Friday, March 4, 2005 1:22 am
Subject: Define 'The Outdoor Classroom'
> Hello folks
> We have recently been asked to provide a definition of 'The
> Outdoor Classroom' for tender documents for a new-build school.
> What was wanted was a definition that made the
> designers/contractors realise that the term didn't just mean a
> classroom outside. The following is what we came up with but I was
> wondering if anyone else had come across a good definition -
> thanks, Mary Jackson, LTL
>
> 'The Outdoor Classroom can be said to be an organised and defined
> teaching and learning setting outside of the school building or
> can also refer to the whole of the school grounds as a learning
> environment.'
> March 2005 - LTL.
>
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