Denmark has been practicing outdoor learning for the past decade, and 'outdoor school' is named 'Udeskole' in Danish. Similarly to Western countries, Udeskole evolved after the changes of a growing technological society; it was viewed as a remedy to changing living situations and a way of connecting modern day children to nature. (Bentsen et al, 2010). Interestingly, Udeskole is a relatively new form of outdoor learning in Scandinavia, and is solidified by its need to be practiced regularly; around once or twice a fortnight.
The study highlighted the fact that little is known about Udeskole; it is not presently written into the Danish Curriculum (Mygind, 2005, cited in Bentsen et al, 2010). Furthermore, Udeskole emerged 'bottom up', showing the power and freedom which Practitioners have in Denmark. (Bentsen et al, 2009) This contrasts highly with countries such as the UK, where the Curriculum is decided by the Government and filtered down.
At present, outdoor learning is not a compulsory requirement for teachers, and therefore highlights an issue of whether teachers have "sufficient competencies" (Bentsen et al, 2010, p241). This mirrors the need for training in both the UK and Switzerland, despite its longer practice.
Moreover, the study acknowledges that more research into Udeskole is required. The study hypothesised that around sixty schools were practicing Udeskole, when it was discovered that at least 290 schools which replied to the survey were, and of course, this is likely to be much higher in reality.
Laura
Forest school in Scandinavia
Forest school links back to Western European educational since the 18th Century. Forest School origins are Scandinavian, as children need not attend school until aged seven, they are encouraged to learn through play whilst exploring their surroundings. Scandinavians regard nature and the environment as the child’s teacher, parents positively encourage the children to use a variety tools and explore using natural materials as well as assessing risk, taking on challenge and accepting responsibility for their actions.
Similarly, since 1999 Wales has made provision for Forest school by adapting the Bridgwater college ethos, so much so that Wales is the forerunner in Forest School development throughout the United Kingdom according to Forest School Wales (2014). The profile of Forest School Wales (2014) has been raised due to strong links with Forestry Commission Wales and Forest Education Initiative, these organisations have offered advice, support and provided funding for practitioners to be trained as Forest School leaders. The Welsh Assembly Government (2014) as cited in Forest School Wales (2014) advocate that their priority is to maximise the use of woodlands for learning and by 2023 people in Wales using the natural woodland environment will raise from 40% to 60%.
Lisa
Which Country sounds like it would be the most experienced in forest School? And the least?