Imagine playing a fun game and learning at the same time. Learning outside the classroom is an interesting approach that we think should be adopted by all schools! It incorporates educational experiences that take place beyond the traditional classroom setting and gives learners an opportunity to gain new skills and discover their talents. Learners will also view school as a fun and interesting place they can look up to every day. Learning outside the classroom can provide individuals with opportunities to engage in problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative exploration.
At Elimu Fanaka, Learning outside the classroom is incorporated through play and fun activities that break the standard class setup, but still achieve the main agenda for learners in a creative way. It is about getting learners outside and providing them with challenging, exciting, and different experiences to help them learn.
Take a look at #GONGanaElimuFanaka for example a fun game we introduced to our partner school together with our partner and friend Tata Sheila from GONGa the Game. We cannot explain how much both learners and teachers enjoyed this game. This game ables them to practice mental math, communicate and strategize on how they are going to win the game.
While traditional classroom settings are a fundamental part of education, learning outside the classroom can also provide a wealth of benefits for learners of all ages. Experiential learning, or learning by doing, is a powerful way to engage with new ideas and concepts in a way that is both meaningful and memorable. This is how we get our teachers involved.
Let’s take a look at Kipusi Primary School; one of our partner schools as a good example to share their outside learning story. Kipusi is one of EF’s best-performing schools in academics and co-curricular activities. The school holds a record in poetry performance at the annual Kenya Music Festival as Coast region champions in various poetry class entries. We support their learning through play as part of our Arts & Culture and Mentorship program. Poetry performance has enabled learners to improve their public speaking, presentation, and performance skills and also develop traits of creative writing and a deeper understanding of poetry. Poetry learners have become confident in expressing themselves in class and during presentations, which most learners in Kenya are unable to do. The use of signs and gestures, tonal variation, and word articulation which is part of listening and speaking styles has improved learners’ self-esteem and assertiveness.
So why should you incorporate learning outside the classroom?
It Encourages Active Learning: Learning outside the classroom encourages a hands-on approach that can help learners understand complex topics more fully and develop a deeper appreciation for the subject matter.
Provides Real-World Experience: Learners get to experience applying what they’ve learned in real-world situations, which can help them develop a better understanding of how theoretical concepts are put into practice.
Enhances Critical Thinking Skills: Learning outside the classroom encourages learners to think critically and problem-solve, as in the case of #GonganaElimuFanaka. When learners are faced with new and challenging situations, they are forced to think creatively and come up with new solutions to problems. This can help them develop critical thinking skills that are essential for success in any field.
Overall, learning outside the classroom can be a transformative experience that can provide learners with a wealth of benefits. Whether it’s through field trips, school games, National Festivals, etc. There are many opportunities for learners of all ages to engage in hands-on learning that can help them succeed in school and beyond.
Joyce and Remmy – Program Associates