This open access book reviews evidence and case studies on the effects of outdoor learning on teachers and learners. It shows how real-world learning outside the classroom contributes to unlocking the full potential of learners, demonstrating its benefits for academic learning, social competencies, personal and emotional development, psychological well-being, and physical activity and health. In addition, the book highlights how outdoor learning nurtures environmental awareness and helps learners to tackle current sustainability challenges. Its focus on high-quality learning makes it a unique contribution to the implementation of SDG 4. Aimed at lecturers at teacher training universities, teachers, professional educators, coaches, and multipliers who train staff of educational NGOs, as well as decision makers on all levels of education systems, this book is of interest to all those who seek a more in-depth understanding of the future of education.

Dr Rolf Jucker is currently Director of the Swiss Foundation for Nature-based Learning (SILVIVA) and a learning for sustainability expert, having previously served as Director of the Swiss Foundation for Environmental Education from 2008 to 2012. He gained an MSc in Education for Sustainability (EfS) and has worked and published extensively on education for a viable future.

Dr Jakob von Au currently works at the Englisches Institut Heidelberg as a teacher and at the University of Education Heidelberg, Germany, as a lecturer in Outdoor Teaching and Education for Sustainable Development. He wrote his PhD on Outdoor Learning and is the co-editor of the first substantial collection of research on outdoor-based learning in German

1. Preface Rolf Jucker & Jakob von Au (editors): contextualising Education Outside the Classroom (EotC)

Cluster 1: Accumulating scientific evidence that EotC is high quality learning / supporting the learning potential of kids

2. Cathy Jordan and Louise Chawla: A Coordinated Research Agenda for Nature-Based Learning

3. Kuo Ming, Barnes Michael, Jordan Catherine: Do Experiences With Nature Promote Learning?Converging Evidence of a Cause-and-Effect Relationship

4. Kuo Ming, Browning Matthew H. E. M., Penner Milbert L.: Do Lessons in Nature Boost Subsequent Classroom Engagement? Refueling Students in Flight

5. Louise Chawla: Childhood nature connection and constructive hope: A review of research on connecting with nature and coping with environmental loss

6. Rolf Jucker: Summary of: Caroline Fiennes et al.: The Existing Evidence-Base about the Effectiveness of Outdoor Learning

7. Sue Waite (Plymouth): International views on school-based outdoor learning.

Cluster 2: Results of the TEACHOUT research project

8. Erik Mygind: Udeskole - pupils¿ physical activity and gender perspectives

9. Erik Mygind & Mads Bølling: Pupils¿ well-being, mental and social health

10. Karen Barfod and Erik Mygind: Udeskole ¿ Regular teaching outside the classroom

Cluster 3: Accumulating scientific evidence that EotC is supporting the health of pupils & teachers

11. Richard Hobday: Outdoor Learning and Children¿s Eyesight

12. Sue Waite and Jennie Aronsson, Plymouth University: Some impacts on health and wellbeing from school-based outdoor learning

Cluster4: Necessary teacher¿s competences for teaching EotC / necessary changes in teacher training curriculums and CPD

13. Christina Wolf: A review on outdoor-based teaching in higher education

14. Jeff Mann, Son Truong, Tonia Gray: Rediscovering the potential of outdoor learning for developing 21st century skills

15. Nadia Lausselet / Ismaël Zosso: How to achieve quality teacher outdoor education: a competence centre shows possible paths

16. Svantje Schumann: Investigating the Experience of Nature: Challenges and case-analytical approaches

Cluster 5: Case studies and context

17. Nicholas Robin: a reflection on outdoor learning in the history of science education

18. Rowena Passy and Ian Blackwell, Plymouth University: Natural Connections: learning about outdoor based learning

19. Christian Armbrüster / Matthias D. Witte (Mainz): Outdoor-based teaching and learning in Germany Theoretical considerations and empirical findings

20. Ulrich Dettweiler, Gabriele Lauterbach, Ruth Kermish-Allen: Fostering 21st Century Skills by Teaching Science Outside the Classroom: Students¿ Perceived Relevance of Contents and Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction

21. Carol Rowntree Jones, Sue Anderson, Caroline Scothern: Creating a Forest for Learning in the National Forest, England

22. Rolf Jucker: outdoor-based teaching and learning in Switzerland: bilingual approaches to systemic integration