Outdoor education is deeply integrated into Finland’s educational philosophy, reflecting the country’s strong connection to nature and holistic approach to learning. In Finnish schools, outdoor education serves as an extension of the classroom, where students regularly engage with natural environments as part of their formal education. This practice combines academic learning with physical activity, environmental awareness, and practical skills development in authentic outdoor settings throughout all seasons.
Outdoor education in Finland is an integrated pedagogical approach that uses natural environments as learning spaces across the curriculum. It’s not a separate subject but rather a teaching methodology woven throughout the Finnish national curriculum, emphasizing experiential learning, environmental awareness, and holistic development. Unlike traditional classroom-based learning, outdoor education in Finland connects theoretical knowledge with practical experiences in nature.
The Finnish approach is rooted in the philosophical concept of “luontosuhde” – the relationship between humans and nature. This perspective views natural environments not merely as places for recreation but as essential educational settings that support cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development. The national curriculum explicitly encourages teachers to utilize diverse learning environments, with nature being a primary resource.
Finnish outdoor education differs from many international models by being fully integrated rather than supplementary. While some countries treat outdoor learning as an occasional enrichment activity, Finnish schools incorporate it as a regular, expected component of education across subjects. This approach reflects Finland’s cultural values of sustainability, independence, and respect for natural environments.
How do Finnish schools implement outdoor education in practice?
Finnish schools implement outdoor education through structured, regular immersion in natural environments. Most schools dedicate at least one day per week (often called “metsäpäivä” or forest day) to learning outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. During these sessions, students might study mathematics by measuring trees, develop language skills by describing natural phenomena, or learn science through direct observation of ecosystems.
The implementation varies seasonally, with activities adapted to Finland’s distinct four seasons. In winter, students might study snow physics, track animals, or learn survival skills. Spring brings opportunities for observing plant growth and ecosystem changes. Autumn focuses on harvesting, fungi identification, and natural resource management. This seasonal approach ensures year-round outdoor learning opportunities.
Outdoor education in Finland is remarkably cross-curricular. A single outdoor session might integrate mathematics, science, physical education, art, and language learning. For example, students might calculate the volume of a lake (mathematics), study its ecosystem (science), sketch the landscape (art), and write reflective journal entries about their observations (language arts).
Typical outdoor learning environments include:
- Local forests and woodlands
- Lakes, streams, and coastal areas
- School gardens and cultivated spaces
- Urban parks and green spaces
- National parks and nature reserves
What benefits do Finnish students gain from outdoor education?
Finnish students experience significant cognitive benefits from regular outdoor education, including improved concentration, attention span, and academic performance. Research shows that learning in natural environments enhances memory retention and problem-solving abilities. The multisensory nature of outdoor education supports diverse learning styles and strengthens neural connections through real-world applications of classroom concepts.
Physical health improvements are substantial among students participating in outdoor learning. Regular movement in varied terrain develops motor skills, balance, and coordination while building cardiovascular health and physical strength. Finnish educators report reduced childhood obesity rates and fewer sedentary behavior problems among students who participate in consistent outdoor education programs.
Social and emotional development flourishes in outdoor settings. Nature-based learning encourages collaboration, communication, and conflict resolution as students work together to overcome challenges. Finnish teachers observe increased self-confidence, resilience, and emotional regulation among students who regularly learn outdoors. The natural environment provides authentic opportunities for risk assessment and independent decision-making.
Perhaps most significantly, outdoor education fosters a deep connection to nature and environmental stewardship. Finnish students develop ecological literacy and sustainability mindsets through direct experiences in natural environments. This connection supports mental wellbeing, with studies showing reduced stress levels and improved mood among children who spend regular time outdoors.
How does weather affect outdoor learning in Finnish schools?
In Finnish educational culture, weather is rarely considered a barrier to outdoor learning, embodying the national philosophy that “there is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing” (Ei ole huonoa säätä, vain huonoja vaatteita). Schools maintain outdoor education schedules throughout the year, including during winter months when temperatures can drop well below freezing. This all-weather approach teaches resilience and adaptability while ensuring continuous connection with natural environments.
Seasonal adaptations are built into outdoor education programming. During winter, learning sessions may be shorter but more active to maintain warmth. Summer allows for extended exploration and water-based activities. Spring and autumn offer unique opportunities to observe ecological transitions. Each season provides distinct learning contexts that enrich the curriculum with authentic seasonal experiences.
Proper clothing is considered essential educational equipment in Finnish schools. Students are expected to have appropriate outdoor gear for all weather conditions, including waterproof outerwear, thermal layers, and proper footwear. Many schools maintain supplies of spare clothing to ensure all students can participate regardless of family resources. Parents receive clear guidance on necessary outdoor equipment.
Safety considerations are carefully managed through comprehensive risk assessment and weather monitoring. Teachers receive training in recognizing weather-related hazards and adapting activities accordingly. During extreme conditions such as severe storms or dangerously low temperatures, activities may be modified or relocated to sheltered outdoor spaces rather than cancelled entirely.
What training do Finnish teachers receive for outdoor education?
Finnish teacher preparation programs include outdoor pedagogy as a core component of professional training. Student teachers learn how to design effective outdoor learning experiences, manage groups in natural environments, and integrate curriculum objectives with nature-based activities. This training begins during initial teacher education and continues throughout their careers.
Professional development opportunities specifically focused on outdoor education are widely available to practicing teachers. These include specialized courses, workshops, and peer learning networks where educators share best practices and innovative approaches. Many schools designate teachers as outdoor education specialists who then support colleagues in developing their outdoor teaching competencies.
The pedagogical approach to outdoor education training emphasizes child-centered, inquiry-based learning methodologies. Teachers learn to function as facilitators rather than instructors, guiding student exploration while allowing for discovery and experiential learning. This approach aligns with broader Finnish educational philosophy that values student agency and constructivist learning theories.
Safety management and risk assessment form a significant portion of teacher training for outdoor education. Educators learn to identify potential hazards, implement appropriate safety protocols, and respond to emergencies in outdoor settings. This comprehensive preparation gives teachers the confidence to conduct meaningful learning experiences while ensuring student wellbeing in varied natural environments.
At VisitEDUfinn, we offer educational professionals the opportunity to observe Finnish outdoor education practices firsthand through our school visits and job shadowing programs. These immersive experiences allow international educators to learn directly from Finnish teachers who have mastered the art of integrating outdoor learning across the curriculum in all seasons.
