Outdoor Education--The Past Is Prologue to the Future.

Overview & Synopsis

Although educators and philosophers such as Johann Amos Comenius, Jean Jacques Rousseau, Pestalozzi, and Froebel stressed the study of nature, outdoor education really began with the first teaching-learning act which occurred outdoors. The human being, physiologically and psychologically adapted for outdoor existence, has only been indoors for 2,000 of the 3 million years human life has existed. Evolution of the outdoor movement can be traced through several phases: early "Homo sapien"--the outdoor animal; agricultural revolution; educational revolution; the nature study idea; organized camping movement; conservation education movement; public school camping; outdoor education; environmental education; environmental ecological education; experiential education; and future "Homo sapien"-- the outdoor animal. Some proposals for future outdoor education include: (1) inclusion of senior citizens and associated programs as part of the total outdoor program; (2) incorporation of public relations; (3) research on interesting the masses of children and adults in outdoor education, with emphasis on attracting minority group interest; (4) leadership development at the college level; (5) increased community involvement; (6) development of resources within reach which do not require reliance on fossil fuels for transportation; (7) a stronger national organization for outdoor and/or environmental education; and (8) opportunities for the handicapped, families, and rural and urban residents to explore the other's environment. (AW)