’More outdoor education needed’

The Government should develop a co-ordinated programme of teacher training in fieldwork to promote a more effective and inspirational approach to teaching science and mathematics, using outdoor sites and venues in our towns and countryside, according to a report by the Outdoor Science Working Group (OSWG). The OSWG is chaired by Professor Justin Dillon and includes Melissa Glackin from the Department of Education & Professional Studies at King's College London. The OSWG, convened by the Association for Science Education (ASE) is sponsored by the Nuffield Foundation. The report recognises: - The need to reverse the decline in the provision and condition of outdoor teaching in science and mathematics. The wider educational benefits of teaching and learning science (primary science, biology, physics, chemistry and earth sciences) through fieldwork in the natural and built environments including teamwork, motivation and its potential to influence positively the choice of science as a future subject of study. Justin Dillon, Professor of science and environmental education, spoke at the launch of the report at a parliamentary reception. In his speech, Professor Dillon explained the importance of fieldwork: 'Denying students fieldwork is like denying them books, pens or computers.