Term

Summer 2024

Capstone

Capstone Project

Degree Name

MAED: NSEE

Facilitator(s)

R.A. Neal

Content Expert

Mac Sergeant

Abstract

This project aimed to answer the question, how can special education teachers provide outdoor learning opportunities for neurodiverse students? The benefits of outdoor learning are well-researched and documented. Spending time in nature reduces stress levels and positively impacts mental health. However, many neurodiverse students in special education settings have limited access to outdoor learning due to concerns about safety, accessibility, and lack of training in environmental education for special education teachers. The need for access to outdoor learning is especially true for students in more restrictive special education settings. This project addresses barriers by providing outdoor learning opportunities that are accessible and can be used in the classroom, outside of the building, and in the community's outdoor green spaces. It includes 20-30-minute learning activities with visual supports commonly used for neurodiverse students in special education settings. The capstone project, Creating Outdoor Learning Opportunities For Neurodiverse Students: An outdoor learning curriculum for neurodiverse students, was created to support special education teachers in providing outdoor learning opportunities.

Project Type

Curriculum

Keywords

Curriculum, Special Education

Type

text

Publisher

Hamline University

Format

application/pdf

Source

School of Education Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations at Hamline University

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