In response to a host of developing societal issues, scientists across a wide spectrum of disciplines are studying the human-nature connection and what happens when we spend time in or become disconnected from the natural world. In this Evidence for Experiential Education series, we’re taking a look at research findings and anecdotes from past Tremont participants related to the health, learning and behavioral benefits of experiences rooted in the natural world.

Let’s consider the trend of “unschooling.”

Unschooling is somewhat akin to homeschooling, but generally has less structure and more inquiry-based exploration of the world. At Tremont, we put an emphasis on student-driven inquiry as part of our efforts toward regenerative education. Regardless of their age or previous experience, learners at Tremont make observations and connect them to their background knowledge of a subject, develop questions based on their gaps in knowledge, and work together to figure out how to go about finding answers through field study. They pay attention, get curious and ask questions.

Unschooling is based on a similar process of self-directed inquiry, but rather than following this approach to learning during a 3 or 5-day summer camp or field trip experience, a growing number of parents in the U.S. are choosing to unschool their children from the age they’d typically start school. And there’s solid evidence demonstrating unschooling as a perfectly good (perhaps better) alternative to the confined structure of the typical school day! Learn more by reading We Don’t Need No Education, an intriguing article written by Ben Hewitt and appearing in Outside Online.

Of course, not every family can make unschooling a reality. At Tremont, we work with educators to give them the tools to feel comfortable and confident taking students outdoors, whether they’re coming to Great Smoky Mountains National Park on a field trip or are heading to their local schoolyard for an afternoon outing.

We imagine a world where students spent part of every school day exploring and inquiring in their schoolyard, patch of woods, or local park. We recognize that student experiences like these are important to supplement traditional classroom education.

We developed The Schoolyard Network, a free professional development network for educators of all backgrounds. Educators in the Schoolyard Network are invited to free monthly professional development sessions where they can share ideas and encouragement as we explore better teaching and learning by using the environment as an integrating concept. Meetings are virtual and there is no cost to participate – tap into this educator network.