Education outside the classroom for everyone

Education Outside the Classroom for All with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders

A strengthened practice of education outside the classroom to promote academic development, educational readiness, and life skills among students with ADHD and ASD

The aim of the project “Education Outside the Classroom for Everyone!" is to enhance academic growth, educational readiness, and life skills for students with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through the use of education outside the classroom (EOTC).

The project's objective is to support increased use of effective EOTC, where the surrounding environments of schools—such as green areas, cultural sites, and community institutions—are integrated into the school day. These settings serve as frameworks and methods to enhance students' opportunities for participation, their sense of belonging and engagement within the class community, as well as their academic and social inclusion and personal development. Students with ADHD and ASD are the primary target group for this project. Through a physical, sensory, and practical approach in EOTC, especially utilizing nature and green spaces, the project seeks to foster a positive school experience and life trajectory for children within this target group.

The project's three phases

Phase 1 – Development

In spring 2024, research-based knowledge will be mapped, and experienced teachers from 10 EOTC classes in the special education sector will be recruited. Interview and observation guides will be prepared. Subsequently, interviews and observations will be conducted at schools, and data will be analyzed. In fall 2024, the inspirational materials will be developed and produced. An introductory course will also be prepared. Additionally, 20 general school classes and 10 special education classes at the middle school level will be recruited for Phase 2.

Phase 2 – Implementation and Evaluation

A baseline measurement of students' academic and social inclusion will be conducted. The introductory course will be held in February-March 2025. EOTC will then begin in 30 classes, supported by consultant guidance and two regional midterm seminars. Observations will be conducted on days with EOTC activities and regular school days. Activities will continue into fall 2025, after which two regional closing seminars, post-measurements, and student and teacher interviews will be conducted. In spring 2026, data will be analyzed, and the inspirational materials will be adjusted.

Phase 3 – Dissemination

In fall 2026, the inspirational materials will be distributed, and the course will be implemented in teacher and pedagogy education programs. Additionally, two national theme days will be held.

Timeline

The project will be conducted from spring 2024 to fall 2026.

About the project

The project is being conducted in close collaboration between University College of Northern Denmark (UCN) in the North Jutland Region, University College Absalon (PHA) in the Zealand Region, and the Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management (IGN) at the University of Copenhagen (KU).

The project team consists of the project leader and associate professor from UCN, Marianne Hald, along with six team members:

Dorrit Hansen, Associate Professor at PHA
Anne Gitte Hønge, Associate Professor at UC
Käte Thaisen Akselsen, Associate Professor at PHA
Stine Bekke-Hansen, Postdoc at KU
Mads Bølling, Postdoc at the Center for Clinical Research and Prevention (CCRP), affiliated with IGN in the project
Christine Borg Bruun, Student Assistant at CCRP

The project is supported by the 15th of June Foundation, the Health Foundation, and the Center for Basic Research at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU).

The Project Team