The Effects of an Outdoor Education on Social Emotional Learning From a Positive Youth Development Perspective

Abstract

Research on the influence of outdoor education on social emotional learning (SEL) competencies for active sports participation is limited. This research assesses the effectiveness of outdoor education in improving the social emotional learning (SEL) competencies of high school students. 85 grade 10 students with average age = 15 years took part in an outdoor education intervention with a duration of 300 minutes, 4 times a week for 4 weeks in one learning semester in 2024. The questionnaire measures social emotional learning (SEL) competencies in the pre and posttest. Data analysis used descriptive statistics and independent sample t-test. The results show a significant increase in the total social emotional learning (SEL) competency scale of students who took part in positive youth development (PYD) oriented outdoor education interventions. There was an increase in students' social emotional learning (SEL) competence and physical activity after participating in the outdoor education intervention for 4 weeks. Outdoor education from a positive youth development (PYD) perspective has a positive influence in increasing social emotional learning (SEL) competencies and promoting active sports participation