Does Learning Happen in the Woods? Rethinking Education in Forest School
Introduction
What does it mean to learn? In this episode, we (Wem and Lewis) challenged conventional ideas about education, exploring how learning happens in Forest School. By reflecting on real-life experiences and questioning societal norms, we uncovered the often overlooked beauty of organic, nature-based learning.
Defining Learning: More Than Memorisation
When we talk about learning, many picture classrooms, textbooks, and tests. But in Forest School, learning is a dynamic, unpredictable process. It’s about curiosity, exploration, and personal growth. Wem posed a thought-provoking question: “If a child spends an afternoon watching ants instead of building a den, have they learned anything?”
The answer lies in shifting our perspective. Learning isn’t just about outcomes—it’s about engagement. Observing ants can teach patience, focus, and the intricacies of ecosystems, even if it doesn’t result in a tangible product.
The Subtlety of Learning in Nature
One of the challenges of nature-based learning is that it often looks like play. Parents or educators unfamiliar with Forest School might wonder if anything educational is happening. Lewis shared a story about a child who spent an entire session digging in the mud. At first glance, it seemed like aimless fun. But upon reflection, the child had been experimenting with water flow, soil composition, and problem-solving.
In nature, learning happens organically and often invisibly. It’s not about ticking boxes but fostering a love for discovery.
How Forest School Facilitates Learning
Forest School provides an environment where learning can flourish without pressure. Here’s how:
Choice and Autonomy: Children decide what to explore, making learning personal and meaningful.
Multi-Sensory Experiences: Nature engages all senses, helping children absorb information in diverse ways.
Real-World Contexts: Skills like teamwork, resilience, and critical thinking are developed through authentic challenges.
Wem highlighted the importance of trust, explaining that “sometimes, you have to let go of control and believe that learning will happen.”
Learning Isn’t Always Measurable
One of the most liberating aspects of Forest School is the freedom from traditional assessments. Lewis admitted that letting go of measurable outcomes can be difficult, especially when parents expect progress reports. But he argued that growth isn’t always visible in the short term.
We shared examples of children who seemed disengaged but later revealed how much they’d learned—whether through a sudden burst of creativity or a profound observation weeks later.
Learning Through Failure
Nature is an ideal setting for learning through failure. From misjudging the strength of a branch to building a shelter that collapses, mistakes are viewed as opportunities rather than setbacks. Wem shared a poignant story about a group of children whose den fell apart in a storm. Instead of giving up, they used what they’d learned to rebuild a stronger structure.
This resilience is a crucial life skill, and nature offers countless chances to practise it.
The Role of the Educator
In Forest School, the educator isn’t a lecturer but a facilitator. Our role is to guide, observe, and support without dictating. Lewis described a session where he resisted the urge to intervene as a child struggled to start a fire. Eventually, the child succeeded and beamed with pride—a victory that wouldn’t have been as impactful if someone else had stepped in.
Patience and trust are key. As educators, we must learn to let go and allow the process to unfold.
How Can We Broaden the Definition of Learning?
If we want to embrace the full potential of Forest School, we need to rethink what learning looks like. Wem suggested framing it as “growth” rather than achievement. This perspective shifts the focus from results to the journey, celebrating small moments of discovery and self-awareness.
We also touched on the importance of communicating this philosophy to parents and stakeholders, helping them see the value in experiences that don’t fit traditional metrics.
Conclusion
Learning isn’t confined to classrooms or curriculums—it’s a lifelong process that thrives in the freedom of nature. By embracing curiosity, resilience, and personal growth, Forest School offers a model of education that values the journey as much as the destination.
Curious to explore more? Listen to the full episode for deeper insights and inspiring stories about learning in the wild.