ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3049-2205
Document Type
Article
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Disciplines
Education | Outdoor Education
Abstract
Outdoor Learning (OL) programmes are a small but impactful part of the Irish educational landscape. This paper presents an overview of the sector through a systematic review of the literature published between 2012 and2023. The research had three aims: to 1) map the strands of practice where OL-related research is happening; 2) synthesize the reported outcomes and 3) indicate gaps in the research. Of the 157 papers screened, 13 met the criteria for inclusion. A hybrid method of review based on reflexive and meta-aggregative synthesis was utilized. Eleven lines-of-action findings were identified across four areas-of-action. These areas were: the role and function of schools and organisations; the professional educator; the flourishing of learners in the outdoors; and challenges to and development of the field. Research reported from post-primary and further education sectors presented a significant gap. Undertaking a large-scale quantitative study of the OL sector would complement existing research.
Recommended Citation
Aylward, T., Coulter, M., & Farrelly, T. (2025). Outdoor learning on the edge of Europe: a systematic review of practice from Ireland. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/14729679.2025.2494033
Publication Details
Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 1–24. © 2025 The Author(s).