Exploring the Benefits of Outdoor Education in Physical Education Programs in Zambezi Region, Namibia

Abstract

Outdoor education is associated with helping students enhance their deeper understanding of their environmental and natural communities which results to a sense of place. Through association to place, students foster stronger environmentally friendly attitudes and community manners. The initial aim of this study was to exploring the benefits of outdoor education in Physical Education programs in Zambezi Region, Namibia. This study used qualitative research methods. A total of twenty (20) physical education teachers and students were selected purposively to participate in this study, and data was analysed thematically using the step by step approach suggested by Clarke and Braun. The study results revealed outdoor education in physical education benefits student by enhancing their physical and mental wellbeing, improves academic and cognitive stance, boost social and personal development. Therefore, it can be concluded from this study that outdoor education in physical education curriculum need to be seriously integrated in the school curricula, as it enhance physical and mental health of students, promote student academic and cognitive skills and also promote student’s social and personal growth.