Interviews with UK primary school teachers about outdoor learning

<p dir="ltr">This study focused on the perceptions and experiences of UK primary school teachers who participated in Generation Wild, a nature connection programme targeted at schools with high levels of economic disadvantage (<a href="https://generationwild.wwt.org.uk/" target="_blank">Generation Wild — Creating lasting and meaningful connections with nature through storytelling and adventure</a>). The study was designed to explore teachers’ perceptions and experiences of the nature connection programme.</p><p><br></p><p dir="ltr">The study sought to address the following research questions:</p><p><br></p><p dir="ltr">1. What are teachers’ perceptions and experiences of <a href="" target="_blank">how children benefit from time in nature?</a></p><p dir="ltr">2. What are teachers’ perceptions and experiences of how disadvantage affects children’s access to nature?</p><p dir="ltr">3. What are teachers’ perceptions and experiences of how outdoor teaching can help address inequalities in access to nature?</p><p dir="ltr">4. What are the barriers to outdoor teaching experienced by UK primary school teachers?</p><p><br></p><p dir="ltr">Interviews were conducted in 2022 with 25 UK primary school teachers who participated in Generation Wild, using a semi-structured interview guide.</p><p><br></p><p dir="ltr">All the participants taught in state primary schools across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with a relatively high proportion of children eligible for free school meals. Three-quarters (75%) of the teachers identified as female, and 12.5% as belonging to a minority ethnic group. They ranged from newly qualified teachers to staff approaching retirement with over 30 years of experience.</p>