Motivating Teachers To Use Outdoor Learning Areas

Abstract

Based on teachers' responses to an informal school-wide survey, this case study describes teachers' resistance to incorporating into core academic instruction the Native Schoolyard Habitats on the Land View School campus. Results indicated that resistance to innovative change was due to a combination of teachers' attitudes and personal motivation, in conjunction with leadership style of the principal. Effective ways to promote teacher involvement were investigated and found to encompass increasing teachers' awareness of the benefits of utilizing outdoor learning areas, and encouraging participation in the effective design of the outdoor learning areas on the school campus. The findings will be utilized by the teachers to develop a school resource guide for use in the outdoor learning areas on the campus.