Outdoor education w dobie popandemicznej – doświadczenia i potrzeby animatorów-praktyków w pracy z dziećmi i młodzieżą na przykładzie polskich organizacji pozarządowych
Outdoor education in the post-pandemic era – experience and needs of animators-practitioners in working with children and young persons on the example of Polish NGOs

Summary/Abstract: The starting point for the considerations undertaken in the article were the experiences of children and young persons in Poland related to the post-pandemic reality, such as social isolation, reduced engagement in social activities, and less time spent outdoors. In this context, outdoor education seems to be a valuable phenomenon, as confirmed by the growing interest of educators, animators, and teachers. In the first part of the paper, the author presents a definition framework for terms related to outdoor education that are important for further consideration, placing them in the context of counteracting the effects of a pandemic. Aim. The aim of the article is to present the results of the author’s own research on the recognition of experiences, opportunities, and needs in the implementation of outdoor education in non-governmental organizations from the perspective of animators-practitioners. The main research problem was as follows: What are the possibilities and needs in the implementation of outdoor education from the perspective of the examined animators? Methods. The research was qualitative in nature, and interpretative theories constituted the research paradigm (Denzin, Lincoln, 2005). The research method consisted of semi-structured qualitative research interviews conducted based on a prepared interview guide. The research group consisted of five animators (two men and three women) working for medium-sized non-governmental organizations in Poland. The respondents were chosen carefully, considering the particulars of the workplace and previous experiences with outdoor learning. The analysis was formal and qualitative. Results. The results of the research showed the in-depth and complex experiences of animators-practitioners in the field of outdoor education. The study also revealed animators’ needs and possibilities regarding the implementation of this education when working with children and young persons in a non-formal environment. The outdoor education model emerging from the research showed a rich experience supported by reflection on the specificity of the activities carried out, especially in the context of working in nature, the importance of individual experiences, creating situations that enable building independence and experiencing risk, and building interpersonal relationships in a group. The article was written as part of a research project coordinated by the Association of Critical Education [Stowarzyszanie Edukacji Krytycznej] in Poland as part of the “Fundusz Pomocowy dla Organizacji Pozarządowych oraz Inicjatyw Obywatelskich 2022-2023” Program. It was financed by the Polish-American Freedom Foundation and implemented by the Education for Democracy Foundation.

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