Background: Education Outside the Classroom (EOtC) is a teaching method that is gaining traction, aiming to promote learning and well-being. However, research on the association between EOtC and well-being is limited.
Methods: This quasi-experimental trial involved pupils (9-13 years) from 16 Danish public schools which implemented EOtC in some classes. Pupils (N = 511) from 27 classes were regularly exposed to EOtC (2-7 hours per week), and pupils (N = 120) from 7 parallel comparison classes were much less exposed (less than 2 hours per week). The pupils' psychosocial well-being was measured at the beginning and end of the school year using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The results were compared between the groups.
Results: Pupils regularly exposed to EOtC showed the greatest improvement in prosocial behavior. Negative associations were seen between EOtC and hyperactivity-inattention and peer problems in pupils of low socioeconomic status (SES). The observed improvements were smaller when the EOtC was spread over a larger number of sessions. Results were independent of sex.
Conclusions: Regular exposure to EOtC was found to promote social well-being, especially for pupils of low SES, and was most beneficial when concentrated in fewer, longer sessions.
Keywords: mental health; outdoor learning; school-based health promotion; school-based outdoor education; udeskole.
© 2019, American School Health Association.