Championing participation & standards

The Existing Evidence-Base about the

Effectiveness of Outdoor Learning

Andy Robinson

Workshop aims

Background to the research & ap-

proach

Insight into research findings

Consideration of recommendations

in the

research report

Implications for your practice

We support individuals and organisations who use the outdoors

to make a difference for others

Our mission:

To increase participation in outdoor learning in the UK

To recognise and improve the quality of outdoor learning in the UK

We are a membership organisation, accrediting institute and charity with over 1255 Individual Members & 682

Organisational Members

About Us

Outdoor learning as a highly valued form of development, education and

employment in UK society.

Our Vision

Why review evidence base ?

Last systematic review 2004

Difficulties in explaining the sector

Under valuing of outdoor learning’s potential

Changing requirements of clients & funders

Approach to the research & report

Steering group from across the sector

Database search & ‘crowd sourcing’

Children & Young People

OL in education or health sector in UK

Education, learning or development

Since 2003

Review scale

3,536 Studies

16 systematic reviews (2 pre 2004)

57 primary studies

3 surveys

Review findings

Almost all interventions have positive effect

Effect attenuates over time

Longer interventions have greater effect

No real idea of scale

Thinly spread across many topics, activities and participants

Little linkage with client outcomes

Limited theories of change

Unanswered questions ?

What questions about evidence or impact

have you been asked and not been happy with

your answer ?

What are the outdoor learning issues or out-

comes where you want a better body of evid-

ence ?

Your theory of change

                                                                                                                                                             Image credit: Sidney Harris

Your theory of change Who are the key stakeholders ?

How clear are the beliefs, goals and assumptions ?

Who holds you accountable for the results ?

Are the intervention options specified ?

Is the amount of change expected clear ?

Who & how are indicators measured ?

What’s the process for revising plans

How to do you communicate the theory wider ?

Next Steps

Consider who may assist you in reviewing & refining

your theory of change

Review how clearly you and others can see evidence of

the impact of outdoor learning

Start to develop your evidence base and

encourage others to question it

Talk to us about how we can support you in your

work

Do keep in touch

Andy RobinsonChief Executive

andy.robinson@outdoor-learning.orgwww.outdoor-learning.org

07730 832760