Outside the Classroom – A World of Opportunity.

Sensory Circus and Capricornia Caves

Granted a lot of learning happens within the four walls of the classroom, but just as many learning opportunities exist outside of those four walls. Excursions and Incursions are important elements in the learning process. They are invaluable tools for allowing students to connect what they are learning in the classroom in a practical, contextual way. The benefits far out way the issues and the logistics of organizing these events.

Some of the benefits may be:

Increasing the self esteem, confidence, social behaviour of students

Inspiring and engaging students with different learning styles

Experiential and practical learning

Making connections to the outside world

Providing opportunities that students may not experience otherwise

Introducing new perspectives

Students of all academic abilities can successfully engage in these activities and make lasting connections. We as adults, can all reflect back to a time when were taken on excursion to the beach or the post office or to a farm and remember what it looked like, smelt like, sounded like. These are lasting memories, not only because we got to leave the classroom and do something out of the ordinary, but because we learnt things in a practical way, while we were interested and engaged. We had fun!

Incursions can be just as rewarding, especially when they are delivered by well researched professionals. There are performances based on many different topics and across all strands of the curriculum. Many feature topics based on sensitive or relevant social issues. These performances allow students to explore these topics in a safe environment. Members of the community who come to share their expertise can challenge and inspire students (and Teachers!).

Excursions and Incursions, not just fun and exciting activities, but important mechanisms for teaching and learning.

References:

Johnson, J. (2009). Beyond four walls: Experiential and situated learning. Teacher: The National Educational Magazine, (Feb 2009), 18.

Lorenza, L. (2009) Beyond four walls: Why go beyond the bounds of school? Teacher: The National Education Magazine, (Feb 2009):22.