As management educator, I found guided by a properly trained teacher, outdoor experiential learning opportunities can result in greater student curiosity, social engagement, higher leadership achievement, and overall enjoyment in improving academic performance. It has been proven that outdoor education and experiential learning supports physical health, boost mental wellbeing & enhances social skills through various collaborative activities like camping, teamwork challenges, and environmental exploration. It promotes a deeper connection with nature and helps better understand of real-world application.
From my studies as Chairman of Parent-Teacher Associations with several primary and secondary schools, I realized experiential learning for children that emphasizes through practical experience through various activities. In this method of learning students are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and solve real-world situations. This experimental approach helps students to absorb the knowledge, as they get to experience things by themselves. Thus, it contributes to the love of learning and fosters curiosity in children. Outdoor education goes beyond playing; it is educational and entertaining (edutaining).
In this context, I encouraged my grand-daughter, Ilfi Fatihah binti Mohd Faiz, Primary Year 6 student, to participate in the 3-day (28-30 April 2026) Annual Camping for School Cadet Program at Kem Rimba Tamu, Batang Kali, Serendah, Selangor. This significant experiential learning aimed to boost students academic performance, physical & mental wellbeing, teamwork and leadership development with nature-based challenges and hands-on field activities.
Upon successful completion of the experiential learning program, Ilfi shared with me that “The key impacts include improved my critical thinking, reduced stress symptoms, increased my confidence, and enhanced team communication. I learned effective initiatives include conservation projects, field studies & specialized, structured outdoor activities. I enjoyed engaging directly with nature that fosters my critical thinking & problem-solving in facing challenges.”
I like these team-based activities for students to develop a stronger connection to the environment, better understanding of sustainability, and leadership.
Zulkifly Baharom (hajizul50@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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