The landscape of research: lessons from a review of research on outdoor learning

Kathleen Pleasants

In a recent study, I examined the purposes and roles of reviews of research within the field of outdoor education by reflecting on one example of this genre, namely, A review of research on outdoor learning conducted by Rickinson, Dillon, Teamey, Morris, Choi, Sanders, and Benefield (2004). The study drew on a range of parallel and intersecting conversations about the purpose and role of reviews of research in education to highlight a lack of debate about reviews of research, and more particularly, the role of research within outdoor education. I contend that this silence illustrates a continued and concerning divide between research and practice. In this presentation I will explore the landscape of research in terms of its role in developing ideas, contributing to bodies of knowledge, highlighting silences, and challenging taken for granted assumptions. I will share some of my understandings of the functions and potential for research in outdoor education that have grown out of this study and how they might be useful in addressing critical questions about ‘what are we doing’ and ‘what should we be doing’ in outdoor education.

Centre for Excellence in Outdoor & Environmental Education
La Trobe University
P.O. Box 199
Bendigo,
Victoria, 3552
Australia

Tel: 61 3 5444 7801
Email: k.pleasants@latrobe.edu.au