A school administrator has introduced a breath of fresh air to the Bahrain education system with an innovative outdoor learning system for pupils.
It is proving so popular that other schools in the kingdom may follow in the footpath of Al Zallaq Primary and Intermediate School for Girls.
Subjects currently being taught in the outdoors include Arabic, Mathematics, English, Science and Islamic Studies.
Administrative services co-ordinator Sabreen Al Qahtan sets up the outdoor classroom with a portable white board, chairs and tables next to the school garden with the assistance of enthusiastic teachers and students.
“The view is inspiring and refreshing,” the 31-year-old said. “We have already noticed improvements in school work and the attitude of the children once they join the class.
“The fresh air offers so many benefits to their health, which positively reflects on their behaviour and their willingness to learn.”
The inspirational co-ordinator, who has been employed by the Education Ministry since 2008, has received praise from senior educationalists for her innovative approach.
She came up with the concept after carrying out research in her own time.
“I was soon fascinated with the outdoor learning process implemented at a select number of schools across the world and the positive results the move had achieved,” said Ms Al Qahtan.
“Studies have shown that learning in open spaces, where a school has a place without walls and is set in nature, has helped pupils achieve higher grades.
“Some of the schools that practise this way of teaching have posted their observations and all have found it to improve students’ ability to learn and concentrate.”
She added that the youngest students in particular are so eager that once the school bell rings the excitement is ‘clearly noticeable’ on their faces.
“They started to participate more and their understanding of subjects improved,” Ms Al Qahtan observed.
She added that some students so wanted to be part of the project that they even helped decorate the outdoor class area. In the corner, there is now even a seating area for parents and official visitors.
“Each teacher books the class in advance,” said Ms Al Qahtan. “The class is set in the courtyard, a shaded area that we equipped with desks and chairs taking into consideration social distancing, thus creating the perfect atmosphere for the young girls.
“The aim of this project is to create a positive learning experience and make a change to the every-day routine.”
Ms Al Qahtan explained that it also enhances learning outside the classroom, while putting school facilities and resources to better use.
“We hope to continue the outdoor classroom until March, hopefully if the weather doesn’t get too hot or humid before that!” she added.
“Seeing the students full of enthusiasm during the outdoor classes has been heart-warming and beautiful, and as they become more focused and ready to learn it exceeded our expectations.
“After seeing the success of the learning experiment other teachers are willing to take their classes outside with plans to implement the experience in other government schools.”
Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi praised the initiative.
“We encourage out-of-the-box thinking that presents students with an educational environment in which they enjoy their time and learn at the same time,” he said.
“Such concepts represent a change from normal class routine and expanding on the outdoor learning class concept to other schools is possible depending on administrators’ willingness to take it up.”
mohammed@gdn.com.bh
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