There is a growing research trend to analyze the impact of outdoor learning experiences on student achievement, STEM career motivation, environmental attitudes/behaviors, and social emotional well-being. Variables are factors which can be manipulated/studied to examine the effects of an educational program. The Variable Spotlight provides strategies for measuring factors that are impacted by outdoor initiatives. We encourage longer article submissions (500-600-words) or shorter narratives to provide information for researchers on ways to assess the impacts of outdoor programs. Submissions can be sent to submissions@blueswallowfarmfoundation.org.
Student Self-efficacy in Outdoor Settings
There are many factors or variables that are applicable to research studies that measure the impact of outdoor activities. These variables can range from environmental attitudes, behavior, and conservation efforts to achievement.
Assessing Peer Influence during Outdoor Activities
Suzanne E. Hiller
Educators who have worked with adolescent students are commonly aware that peers can have a strong influence on the attitudes, behaviors, and performance of learners. Interestingly, adolescence can be classified between the ages of 10-25 due to the elongated economic dependency students have on their families in comparison to generations in the past (Steinberg, 2015).
