EDUCATION OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM: FROM OPEN AIR SCHOOLS TO MODERN EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES

Author: Apostolos Karaoulas

ABSTRACT

This study examines the historical evolution of Open Air Schools and the development of modern educational practices that take place outside the traditional classroom environment. Their establishment in the early 20th century responded to the need to address the health and social problems of industrial cities. Education in open spaces was seen as a solution to limit the spread of tuberculosis and other diseases while also providing an alternative learning environment for children from vulnerable social groups. The first initiative focused on linking physical health with the learning process, aiming to create a school framework that promotes hygiene and physical activity.

The transition of Open Air Schools from their initial health-related role to a broader pedagogical model was influenced by social and scientific factors, such as developments in public health, the pedagogical theories of the 20th century, and the increasing awareness of the interaction between the environment and learning. Improvements in urban health conditions reduced the necessity of these schools as a means of disease prevention, leading to their gradual transformation. The introduction of child-centered approaches and the recognition of experiential learning as a core element of the educational process contributed to the evolution of Open Air Schools into modern outdoor schools.

Today’s “modern outdoor schools” combine the dynamics of outdoor learning with contemporary teaching approaches, incorporating technological tools and integrating concepts such as environmental education and sustainability. The emphasis on interdisciplinary knowledge and the development of skills such as collaboration and critical thinking highlights the role of modern outdoor schools as educational environments that transcend the boundaries of the traditional classroom.

Keywords: Open Air Schools, contemporary learning, education outside the classroom, virtual environment education, educational innovation, virtual learning environments

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